Join Team Ned
*as of 12/7/2020
About Ned
Hey everybody, new kid on the block! I was born on November 15, 2018. I may be a young lad, but I know that my name is Ned. I must be pretty important since my inmate handlers pick up after me, open doors for me, and carry me when it rains. I am the happiest curled up in someone's lap, but I really like the game tug too! My humans at the prison teach me things like how to answer their questions with a "Yes" or "No". I also am learning what "ewww" means and how to do a "like me"! I will get to be a Service Dog one day just like my big brother Eddie, and boy, you should see how cool his life is. Keep up with my journey by checking here for updates!
Puppy Ned's namesake, a WWII Veteran, has something in common with those who are helping to raise puppy Ned- he has spent time imprisoned and loves dogs. Ned is named after Edmund Kauffman, a Princeton graduate who enlisted during WWII in the Army Airforce to serve our country in the Army Air Forces. He was a navigator in B-17 bombers, where he learned that "flying a b-17 fortress was a cooperative effort among 10 men." On his 28th mission, his crew got shot down over Germany, of that day Ned says “I’ve always said I’m probably one of the luckiest men alive. I did everything wrong that day, but I survived.” He became a prisoner of war, where they put him in solitary confinement for 3 weeks where he was interrogated regularly, and then with other POWs in a camp. He was released in January of 1945 toward the end of the war. Upon his return home, he started a family, and a new business. He and his wife also bred and showed Afghan Hounds. In their retirement they became dog show judges and traveled the world as judges.
From Ned's Handlers
"The first time Ned licked my face I was smitten. A few days later he curled up in my lap and fell asleep. It was then I knew I truly loved him. I try not to imagine handing him off to a service member, but I know he will be going off to a better life. I hope he remembers me and knows he left me a better person than he found me." - Justin
"Ned has already made a tremendous impact on my life. I knew I couldn't love a dog more than Jett, but I loved Ned equally the first day I spent with him. I'm humbled each time I put Ned's needs before my own. I hope to make him a spectacular service dog. In return, he will make me more patient, caring and loving." - Sergio
See Ned's Progress Below
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I've been going to holiday parties with my mom's family. I like to stay near mom most of the time. I love to take walks around town and check out the different stores. I'm working on perfecting my existing skills, like how great my ability to open locker doors has become. Lately, I've been spending time with other people to become comfortable to be with anyone at any given time. I'm looking forward to having more outings this month to "wow" everyone! Check out this picture of me hanging out with my bud, Diesel.
January 2020 Update
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This month I went to a Thanksgiving feast. I had very good manners and loved saying hi to all the little girls. I had my b-day party and all of my friends came and I had a blast! Everyone got a goodie bag. I also went to the bank to pull some money out for my b-day. I got to go Black Friday shopping and got some really good deals. Lastly, I went to the beach to relax after a good work week. I'm learning tone comfortable and act appropriately with all handlers and spending the day with them. I'm bonding really well with my handler, Nachi. I'm doing really well with group exercises and having good manners in every setting I'm in. Like I said, I just turned one this month and got the present of... surgery. After, I met Gigi and fell in LOVE. I can't stop talking about Gigi. <3 home.
November 2019 Update
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I love the dog park! I'm basically a regular now. I'm such a beach guy. I'm a pro at riding the waves of Morro Bay. Mommy doesn't have to worry about me because I'm always so well behaved. People are always giving me compliments on my excellent manners. Mommy has been taking me everywhere: the store, errands, the car wash, and we even got her a haircut. This month, I learned how to work next to a wheelchair. I figured out I can open doors using my paws. I love my handlers, they're the best! Next month, I turn 1! I can't wait for my birthday party as real big boy now.
October 2019 Update
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Here's an update! I had a tail-wagging good time this month. Lately, sometimes my friends call me Neddy. I went to the beach with my puppy parent and loved the waves and California sunshine. I also met a horse at the beach and we became fast friends. Meeting different people and other animals is the best. At school I learned to take off my handler's jacket by first pulling down the zipper. How cool is that? Finally, I opened locker doors by pulling a tug! As I continue to grow up, my puppy parent tells me I am behaving like a big boy. I am so excited to go on a camping vacation to the beach next month. Maybe we'll go surfing. I think I have some convincing to do.
August 2019 Update
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Ned here! Oh boy, do I have a lot to tell you. I went to the dog park and met some playful friends. The beach was a big hit too. My puppy parent has been setting me up for success! I’m becoming a pro at matching my behavior with my human partner. This is an important service dog skill! I’m also learning to “come close to brace.” One day, I’ll help physically support a first responder or veteran. Guess what! After many tries, I opened a door by pulling it with a tug. I’ve grown up so much! Learning new skills is so fun. I’ll update you again next month!
July 2019 Update
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Hey, I’m back! My new nickname is the Fantastic Ned! This month I went on a fun camping trip with my puppy parent. It was the time of my life! Summer is the best because I get to play in the sprinkler and hose when it’s hot outside. My skills are getting better! My educators like to get me really excited to learn. Hopefully one day soon I will learn to put objects where they belong, like a toy in the toy box. I’ll tell you how it goes next month!
June 2019 Update
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Hey everybody! It's Ned! I've been pretty busy this last month. I got to meet my handler's family for the first time and they were super nice! I also got to take some quick trips to Costco and the beach. I love to take in all the smells and people at the store, and enjoy the waves and the dogs at the beach! I was sad for a bit because Sgt. Gregory got sick. However, I was able to go home with her to help her out. When she got better, she took me to a farm with a bunch of interesting animals. The goats were really cool, but the chickens kinda creeped me out! I've also been working on my skills. I can open lockers now, but I do have a little trouble staying concentrated on doing it again and again. But, I did get a chance to show off what I've learned. When Sgt. Gregory used my recall word, I came running back right away. Next month I'm going to get to work on light switches, colors, and closing locker doors. You guys gotta check in next month to hear all about it! So I'll see ya then!
May 2019 Update
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Hello everyone, it’s Ned here! I’ve been pretty busy this past month. I got to go hang out at the beach with a lot of other dogs and explore the grocery store with Sgt. Gregory! I also got to practice going to the Medical, the canteen, going up stairs, and a bunch of other things with my pals Justin and Sergio. This month I also learned a couple of new skills. I’m working on retrieving objects, to reason by exclusion, putting my paws “up” on the wall and taking off a vest. Now, I don’t want to brag, but everyone seems to be saying that I’m picking things up pretty quickly. I might take my time, but I do it right. I can’t wait until next month though, I heard that I’ll get to start working on recall words and pulling socks off! You guys should make sure to tune in next month so I can tell you how that goes.
April 2019 Update
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Hi everyone, it’s Ned! I did so much this month! I went to the beach with Sgt. Gregory and got to run around a bunch with my friend Bella. Walking on sand feels weird, but playing with all the other dogs was super fun! As for work, I’ve been improving on recall and other things like “Up” and “Yes and No”. I also have been practicing my locker opening! It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely getting better. My handlers say that I’m a pretty fast learner, so I’m sure I’ll have it down soon. I’m excited to see what I’ll get to do next month! Don’t tell anyone, but I heard whispers about working on stuff called “socks” and “light switches”. Check back in with me next month to hear about how that goes! Bye for now!
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It's me, Ned! I'm just a baby at 13 1/2 weeks, but I'm already working on my skills. I'm learning how to play red light/green light and "UP". My teachers have been working with me to be patient at meal time, and I'm working on it, but sometimes it's hard. Growing boys need their food! I also got to go home with Sgt. Gregory for the weekend, my new puppy raiser. She gave me lots of cuddles and took my picture. You know I'm cute, right? It was a fun time and I can't wait to go back. See you next month!
February 2019 Update
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Hey everyone! I'm Ned. I'm pretty new here, so I have spent a bunch of time just exploring! I've sniffed all over the yard, the chow hall, the gym, the captain's office- pretty much everywhere. Everybody says that I'm fearless! Even though I haven't been here very long, I have learned so many new things. I work with my handlers to respond to words like "ewww", open lockers and walk nicely on a leash. I also did my first "like-me" by placing my paws on the handball wall! I love getting to meet all the other dogs and spend time with my handlers! I'm so excited to see what happens next month; a little birdie told me that I'll get to practice learning the names of objects and something called potty training? Check back in with me next month to see how all that goes! Bye for now!
January 2019 Update
