Day 13 - Wrap It Up

It is the last Friday of class. One last formal route and some “wrap it up” lectures. We have almost arrived. I will use this entry to provide some wrap-up information as well.

Packing Up

Early on I referred to saving luggage space for extra equipment. The list varies somewhat with each class that I attend, but what follows is a list of the new items that I can take home with me this time. Again, this may change.

1. Food – GDB provides food for the trip home and an extra few days. If you haven’t already ordered food, this can be a good bridge. 2. An approximately three-foot-by-three-foot rug that acts as your dog’s bed. 3. A fanny pack with grooming and tooth brushing equipment. 4. A pouch with dog booties intended for use with escalators or extreme weather. 5. A handful of pick-up bags for the trip and to bridge until you have your own supply at home. 6. A food measuring cup. 7. A one-year supply of flea/tick and heartworm preventative. 8. A travel cup with lid. (Always have a lid on hot beverages when around your dog.) 9. Three dog toys. 10. An approximately two-foot long cable with clips at each end that acts as a dog tie-down. 11. Training aids such as a clicker and head collar, in addition to your dog’s harness and leash. 12. A binder with various pieces of information.

Much of this will need to be packed. If you run out of space, you can arrange to ship clothing to your home. You can arrange this with GDB staff.

You may also have purchased items while on routes or at the on-campus GDB gift shop. The gift shop in particular is a great source of dog equipment. My special favorite being a small pouch that keeps your dog’s tags from clicking with every step. You can also purchase GDB-logoed clothing and other items. The gift shop prices are quite competitive, and they do accept credit card payments. (The gift shop is also available on www.guidedogs.com.) Remember to make room in your luggage for these items.

Friday afternoon and evening, as well as a significant portion of Saturday morning is open for you to pack, prepare, and say goodbyes to your classmates. Once puppy raisers arrive and graduation starts, time gets very chaotic. Expect that you will not have much of an opportunity to relax after lunch on Saturday.

At this point you have only one thing left to do.