Sad news…Persimmon was career changed after only two weeks of being in the kennel. She didn’t pass her Physical test and Xrays showed that she has 8 vertebrae in her back. Normal for dogs is 7. The vet said that this normally does not cause a problem and there are working guides with 8 vertebrae but one of hers had narrowing of the bone, which caused discomfort.
I placed her with a family here in the Sacramento area. She is very happy with them and I think it was a good fit. They changed her name to Bella, for unknown reasons to me. I’m still adjusting. Honestly it feels like a slap in the face. But I have to let go.
Good news is, I got a new puppy. Welcome Nivia, Guide Dog Puppy #10 for me, and #12 Service Dog, #15 for my whole family. Nivia (Niv-ee-ah) is 10 weeks old. Born 2.24.11. She has two littermates, one boy and one girl. I’m not sure where they are or what their names are yet. The parents are Jenkins X Dia. Both very nice breeders! 
Here is Nivia!
so sorry to hear about Persimmon! My last cc Terence is now called Max, The Most Common Dog Name Ever. His new mom’s name is Terilynn, so I can understand the reasoning but to me he will never really be a ‘Max’ – I still refer to him as Terence except when talking with his new family. I figure that the name change is a small price to pay for wonderful people who spoil the heck out of him and who I love dearly! They can call him whatever they want – he doesn’t care as long as there is food in his bowl, so why should I? Welcome little Nivia. Saxon is a Jenkins pup, too.