December 2025 – Future Leader Dog Roo Update

Future Leader Dog Roo is now five-and-a-half-months old and weighs 36 pounds! She continues to grow, learn and gain confidence every day.

This month Roo made great progress in her training. During our group class, we worked on impulse control by placing food in a bowl on the floor and rewarding the puppies only when they ignored it. Roo did an excellent job — even when I walked across the room, she stayed focused on me and never went for the food. She also practiced her relaxation protocol, holding her “sit” and “down” positions as I walked around her, stepped away and briefly moved out of sight. Each time she stayed calm and attentive.

Roo has been busy with Lions activities as well. She attended several meetings, joined me for two more club presentations, and visited the Lions of Illinois Foundation for a donation presentation to Leader Dogs for the Blind — posing nicely for a photo with the check.

We also had some fun adventures. Roo traveled with me on two trips to Denver, where she visited Garden of the Gods, practiced calm greetings on the trails, and enjoyed playtime with my son’s dog. During our second trip, she became the hit of the maternity floor when my grandson was born — staff members came from all over just to say hello. Most recently, Roo had a weekend playdate and sleepover with another Future Leader Dog from our group, which gave both pups a chance to practice skills and burn off energy together.

Thank you again for supporting Roo’s journey. She’s growing into a focused, friendly and eager learner — all wonderful qualities for a future Leader Dog.

Written by Lion and PDG Jeff, Future Leader Dog Roo’s Raiser