AGUILERA TALES

Breeder Update - Finally!

2011-05-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

Kaylee had a fun time meeting up with her "S" litter at last year's San Rafael Fun Day event, she's pictured here with Sabrina, Sierra and Seymour. The pups are now 1 year old and we're excited to hear how they are doing in their GDB Puppy Raising homes. We're also hoping to see some of those pups at this year's Rockin' Rover Fun Day event in San Rafael on Saturday, July 23rd. The Fun Day event on the Oregon Campus will be Saturday, August 6th.

http://www.guidedogs.com/

Success for Guide Dogs for the Blind

2010-05-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

A very proud looking Kaylee with her new "S" litter. Keeping all good thoughts and prayers headed their way as they begin their new lives in the Guide Dogs for the Blind program.

UPDATE: At last the names can be announced. For this wonderful new litter, we have Schafer, Seymour, Stan, Sabrina, Saffron, Sharon and Sierra. Looking forward to a happy reunion at this year's Fun Day event.

Congratulations Kaylee......and Guide Dogs for the Blind

2010-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

We are proud and happy to announce that Kaylee has just successfully whelped her second litter for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Whelp date was May 13, 2010. The litter letter is "S," so time to get those thinking caps on and put those puppy names lists together.

Prior to her whelp this week Kaylee had been keeping very busy with life on Rosemont Place. This includes MUNI rides to work at the Carmichael Salon with staff and clients, fun beach trips with her new BFF "Joy," early morning walks to Duboce Triangle Park, Urban Bread, Castro Coffee, special treats at Starbucks and her good friend Hiro, Thorough Bread and Pastry, playing with downstairs neighbors Beatrix, Vivian, Ray, Amy, and hanging out with her local dog buddies "Frankie," "Fluke," "Bogart," "Chester" and "Scout."

We're keeping Kaylee and her new litter in all good thoughts and prayers as they begin their lives in the Guide Dogs for the Blind program.

Carmichael Salon Happenings

2010-02-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

Along with clients, neighbors, family and friends, we had the honor of welcoming and celebrating with photographer John Kraus at our first Artist's Reception for 2010.

Stay tuned for details on upcoming special events at the Carmichael Salon by visiting our website, Facebook Fan Page......or stop in anytime. We'd love to see you!

New Year Beginnings

2010-02-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

Kaylee keeps us all entertained as we await her next season.
After her first litter with Guide Dogs for the Blind last September, she's been once again loving life in San Francisco. And when she's not visiting with all her buddies at Duboce Park, or watching Animal Planet, she spends quality time with our neighbor Vivian.

Lovin' those Golden Retrievers

2009-12-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

Littermates Dale, Camber and Canby

Our beloved Golden Retrievers who are now up there romping in Doggie-Heaven.

This photo was taken when we had the chance to have all three littermates together to celebrate their birthday, wonderful memories.

Dale, retired breeder, loved San Francisco, Duncans Mills and the Russian River.

Camber and Canby who both got into their career change homes early were the spitting image of each other and also enjoyed life to the fullest.

And it all started with Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Kaylee's "T" Golden Girls

2009-11-03T17:28:00.001-08:00

Six beautiful Golden Girls for Kaylee, and they should be leaving the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus for their puppy raising homes soon. Keep them all in your good thoughts and prayers as they begin their journey towards future Guide Dog careers.

Special update: At last the names can be revealed. They are now off-campus and in their puppy raising homes: Tamber, Tanna, Tansy, Tahiti, Taylee and Teriann.

For more information about the Breeding and Puppy Raising Programs
visit the website for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

** Special thanks to Suzanne for these fabulous photos. **

Carmichael Salon Update

2009-10-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

Life at Carmichael Salon is going smoothly. We're loving the neighborhood and the fact that it's such a convenient location for clients, friends, family and neighbors. We're looking forward to a busy holiday season and will be announcing our special Holiday Open House soon.

We look forward to seeing you all here at the salon, or visit us on-line!

Kaylee and her Golden-girls

2009-09-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Kaylee and her 6 Golden-girls are loving life in the GDB whelping kennel. They are all growing big fast, and the kennel reports that she's been a good mom. Today they are just reaching 3 weeks old, and we're looking forward to visiting them in the puppy kennel once they turn 6 weeks old. Keep those good thoughts and prayers headed their way as they dream of their future lives as either working guide dogs and/or breeders.

New Litter for Kaylee

2009-09-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce Kaylee's first litter for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Her new puppies, 6 females, where whelped on Sunday, September 6th, and the Kennel reports that she is doing a good job as a new mom. We're hoping to visit with the new litter once they get down to the Puppy Kennel, usually at around 6 weeks of age, and then hope that it's Kaylee's time to return home.

Keep those good thoughts and prayers headed Kaylee's way as she helps her new puppies begin their lives as future guide dogs, or even as future breeders.

http://www.guidedogs.com/

Official Title - Breeder Custodians

2009-08-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

Say hello to "Kaylee." She is a new breeder for Guide Dogs for the Blind. We're now her Breeder Custodians and she'll live with us in San Francisco while she continues her new career. She's loving the "salon life," traveling every morning on MUNI to work with us at the Carmichael Salon.

She really has been an amazing dog, and is getting ready for her first litter, her expected whelp date is September 4, 2009. Keep those good thoughts and prayers headed her way as we all hope for a large first litter. Stay tuned for lots more photos and videos of "Kaylee" in action.

http://www.guidedogs.com/

http://www.carmichaelsalon.com/

Carmichael Salon Artist's Reception

2009-07-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Another fun and festive event at Carmichael Salon. This time an Artist's Reception for photographer Clifford Baker. We continue our series of artists at the salon, and we're excited to have Clifford's work on display. Special thanks to Ricardo for preparing an evening of delicious food, and thank you to our clients, friends and neighbors for joining us. Hoping to see you all at the salon.........or on-line:

http://www.carmichaelsalon.com/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/carmichael-salon-san-francisco-2

http://www.twitter.com/carmichaelsalon

What's Wrong With Wine on the Web

2009-06-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to writers Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher of the Wall Street Journal for their ongoing wine writing. Their Tastings articles in the weekend edition of the WSJ is one of the best places for wine enjoyment and education. You can visit them at:

http://www.wsj.com/tastings/

One of their recent wine articles, What's Wrong With Wine on the Web, featured some on-line wine sites that "do it right," and here are those links:

http://www.astorwines.com/
http://www.klwines.com/
http://www.wine.com/
http://www.winemonger.com/

Now click on, fill that glass........and swirl and taste away.

Carmichael Salon Photo Shoot 2009

2009-04-07T11:27:00.001-07:00

The Carmichael Salon, along with photographer Rick Camargo, completed a successful day of creating beautiful images for upcoming marketing and public relations projects. Big thanks to Rick who helped keep us on track with the busy day.

The Artistic Team from Carmichael Salon was headed up by Tony Nash and Russel Thompson, with the assistance of Ivy Cheng, and Lavinia Turner. Also, a special thank you to Alice Sawdey from Leonor Greyl, who was our make-up artist for the day.

And we also could not have had such a successful photo shoot without our incredible models. Thanks to Will Morris, Aleks Brown, Mitch Sokolin, Danielle Hoodhood and Ivana Reich. We're all excited to see the results of their hard work.

As you can see by the photo above we had very busy day. And along with the photo shoot we also had artist Robin Winn install her art work in the salon. She is the featured artist for April and May and stay tuned for details on a special artist's reception for Robin.

http://www.carmichaelsalon.com/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/carmichael-salon-san-francisco-2

http://www.rickycphotography.com

http://www.coroarts.com

2009 - Let the FUN, PROSPERITY, ADVENTURE, CHALLENGES and LOVE begin....!!

2009-01-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Our first year at Carmichael Salon ended up with a special Holiday Party, complete with clients, neighbors, family and friends. Special thanks to client and photographer Nancy Mueller for capturing all of our beautiful guests, and thanks to Caroline and Bill Griffith with Leonor Greyl for their presence and the wonderful party gifts.

We look forward to seeing you all again in this New Year.

2008-12-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

Cherishing all those Christmas memories from days past with dad and mom, Pat, Ruth and Rose, from Zink Avenue to Camino Caseta. And excited to keep up those Christmas traditions we all love, and looking forward to starting new ones.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Loving you all from San Francisco.

Mickey

Grand Opening Celebration

2008-12-06T14:36:00.001-08:00

A big THANK YOU to all clients, Post Street neighbors, friends and family who helped to make the Carmichael Salon Grand Opening an extra special evening. The evening was all about celebrating our new salon space. And now with 3 months under our belt we're working hard to keep up our high level of service and expertise. We look forward to seeing each and everyone of you again in the near future.

Loving you from the Carmichael Salon.

Memories of Guerneville

2008-12-04T14:30:00.001-08:00

Was walking down Memory Lane this past week, feeling very nostalgic about our days on the hill in Guerneville. Memories of the wonderful neighbors, the on-going festivals in the Redwoods, Camber and Junior loving the great outdoors........and this wonderful home we put together so carefully. Just had to share.

Puppy Truck 301 - The first of many trips....

2008-11-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Lee and Joe on making the inaugural trip of our new puppy truck. They traveled to Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon, delivering 15 new GDB puppies, and picking up a truck-load of big dogs to return to the Oregon campus to begin their guide dogs training.

For more fun photos and video of the newest addition to the GDB fleet, visit:

http://guidedogs.blogspot.com/

Next trip will be up to Oregon and Washington. Keep an eye out for them...!

Welcome to Palm Springs...

2008-10-24T13:43:00.001-07:00

We had a great time sharing Palm Springs with Jason and Ginger, complete with a tour of the San Jacinto mountain top via the rotating tram. Thanks to Ginger for making the trek from Colorado to see our humble abode.

Carmichael Salon begins a new adventure...

2008-08-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

We're proud to share the first of many photos (some fun before and after pics) of the new Carmichael Salon, now open at 619 Post Street, San Francisco, California. We are now in our first week of business and are excited to bring this vision to life. Many thanks to friends, clients and family for helping to support this new venture.

Loving you all from the Carmichael Salon.

Coming soon.....

2008-08-06T08:08:00.001-07:00

Carmichael Salon, 619 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 409-2353 - E-mail: carmichaelsalon@rocketmail.com

You can say that you heard it here first.....stay tuned for details on the newest, latest and greatest in hair and beauty. Located in downtown San Francisco, two blocks west from Union Square Park, between Taylor and Jones Streets.

Russel Thompson and Mick Aguilera.

On the airwaves with KOIT-FM and Guide Dogs for the Blind...

2008-07-18T16:37:00.001-07:00

Once again I've hit the airwaves to talk about our wonderful organization, Guide Dogs for the Blind. A big thank you to Sherry Brown and KOIT-FM for inviting me to be a special guest on her "Today's World" talk show. It airs pretty early Sunday mornings, so for you "not so-early birds" the podcast is linked below.

http://koit.radiotown.com/todaysworld/

It was a great way talk about the many programs at Guide Dogs, and to also alert everyone that our 6th Annual Napa Wine Gala is coming up September 27th. We hope to see everyone in Yountville for this incredible event. For details on our Wine gala go to:

http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=news_events_winegala

Loving you all from here...

Happy 4th of July Holiday

2008-07-03T16:14:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a safe, fun and festive 4th of July Holiday. Remember as you celebrate with family, friends and pets, that this is the National American holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Remember to let your "inner puppy" out to play........!

We're gonna miss you guys...

2008-06-20T17:34:00.001-07:00

A very fond farewell to Justin, Mitch and Mochi.....leaving San Fran and the Russian River for the big state of Texas. We're gonna miss you, and we'll be keeping you all in our good thoughts and prayers as your new adventures begin.

We'll be loving you guys from way up here...

Remembering our girl Camber...

2008-05-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

I first met our girl Camber in the Guide Dog kennel when she was 9 months old. She was brought in from her puppy raising home because she had just too many "issues," and was a bit too much puppy for her raiser.

I was working in the kennel back then and had noticed her right away because of just how darned cute she was, but also because she so stressed out and just hating the kennel and was even scraping the skin off her nose trying to escape under the kennel gate. I went into her kennel to give her some much needed attention and as I bent down to try to soothe her she promptly lunged at me knocking me to a sitting position, where she then crawled into my lap and began to lick and lick and lick...

Needless to say I knew then and there that this little Golden girl needed to get out of the kennel and into a more calming environment. I asked if I could take her home for the evening, to get her out of the kennel, and they graciously said "yes." And that's when it all began.

After much evaluating by the training staff they decided this little puppy was just "too much dog," and would be career changed from the program. Fortunately I had my application in to adopt a dog, and after my official "fence check," I was able to adopt her.

And now after living with her for 12 years it so very sad to have to say good-bye to her. We got to see her grow from that loving "too much dog" puppy, to a graceful and loving dog.

She loved San Rafael, Sausalito, Guerneville, Goleta, Volcano, Crissy Field, Fort Funston, Palm Springs and the last couple years living in San Francisco. And along with Russel and I, she had her best friend Junior living with her most of that time. We were a wonderful team...

Thanks to all family and friends who were such a big part of her life, and thanks to the GDB Kennel, Training and Vet staff who were there with her at the beginning, the middle and at the end.

We love you Camber....good girl.

Memorial Day Weekend in Volcano...

2008-05-30T16:15:00.001-07:00

Our holiday weekend in the foothills of Amador County was especially fun with family, friends, neighbors and pooches. Special thanks go to our gracious hostess Doreen who welcomed us all to her lovely mountain home. The barbeques were roaring, everyone brought some special side dishes, wonderful wines were flowing, and the weekend was wrapped up with a visit to downtown Volcano for goodies at the St. George Hotel, and then a visit to "Heaven on Earth," the beautiful home, gardens, vineyards, peacocks and animals belonging to Willie and Carolene.

Just look at how much fun we're all having.....it could not have been a more festive weekend!

Kay Bess - A wonderful evening of music...

2008-05-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

We were all treated to a wonderful show by one of the best singers we know, our good friend Kay Bess. She dazzled the audience at the SOhO Restaurant and Music Club in downtown Santa Barbara, where a full house of church family and friends had a wonderful evening with Kay and her band. We were also treated to special guest Katrina Carlson, who is also a wonderful singer. Congratulations Kay and Katrina.

We're looking forward to seeing and hearing her perform again soon, hopefully in our hometown of Santa Barbara, or even better, up in our neck of the woods, San Francisco. Visit Kay's MySpace page for some samples of her music:

http://www.myspace.com/kaybess

Guide Dog Puppies in action...

2008-04-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to start Springtime with a recap of Guide Dog Puppy pictures from 2007 - 2008. I've also included a new photo of Mick with "Mickey," now being raised in Washington.

Without our raisers our job would be impossible! And we're always looking for more puppy raisers, so visit the GDB website for details:

http://www.guidedogs.com/

The World-Travelers return...

2008-03-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Mom and Dad on their recent excursion to China, and are now safely back at home. They traveled with a large group from Santa Barbara to see the many sites, including the Great Wall (pictured above), and their good luck during the trip was prompted by Dad's rubbing of Buddah's belly...

Stay tuned for more of "Rudy and Ann's Adventure Overseas"....

Memories of our Junior-boy

2008-02-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Our boy Junior is no longer with us here on earth, but he is up there romping through the fields of doggie-heaven. He was an incredible dog who lived with Russel, Camber and I in Sausalito, Guerneville and San Francisco, and then lived out his final months with Nicole and Jay, Blackberry and O'Malley in the beautiful Alexander Valley. He was well loved by everyone who met him, and will always be remembered in our hearts. We have a lot of fond memories of Junior, and even more photos of him to share. Goodbye Junior........we love you, and will always remember you.

Junior, in one of his favorite poses, and with his many dog-walk buddies.

Camber and Junior on Rosemont, and on Stearn's Wharf with Russel and Camber.

Thanks again to Nicole and Jay for letting our boy enjoy their ranch, and to help "break in" their new olive trees.

Palermo - Palm Springs

2008-01-12T18:51:00.001-08:00

Our Palm Springs adventure begins with the new Palermo Condo. Now furnished with all the needed comforts, it will be a nice escape to the desert.

Located in on San Rafael and North Indian Canyon Drive, it's conveniently located within a short drive to the downtown area. And the famous Palm Springs Rotating Tram is just up the street.

Palm Springs - Our escape to the Quiet Side...

2007-12-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

From construction to completion, we're excited to see our new Palm Springs home become a reality. Located on the northside, it's very close to the famous Aerial Tram, where North Indian Canyon meets San Rafael Road.

Our trusty (yet not "blow-out" free) U-Haul delivered the first load of furniture, and after a visit to the local consignment shop we've just about filled up the new place. Thanks again to JR and Curtis for helping us on moving day.

Looking down from the aerial tramway, here's our new neighborhood. They're the world's largest rotating tramcars where you're able to snowshoe and crosscountry ski during the winter, and incredible vistas and hiking throughout the year.

http://www.pstramway.com

So much to see and do in Palm Springs. We're starting to make our list of favorite restaurants and hang-outs, and we're looking forward to having family and friends visit soon...!

Merry Christmas to all....!!

2007-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple festive Christmas photos on the Guide Dog campus of Mick and Allen, Camber and Dale. They'll be boarding together while Allen and Butch head off to Mexico, and while Mick and the Russel head down to Goleta and Palm Springs. We hope you all will have safe travels to destinations close and far-away.

Volcano Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-29T18:05:00.001-08:00

An incredibly delicious Thanksgiving was had by all in beautiful Volcano, California. A big thanks to Doreen for her gracious hospitality.........she's the best!

Doreen, the Russel, Ginger, Jenna, Jolene and Elsa......the most fun in one little town.

Local boy Matt joined in the festivities, along with Jenna and proud mom Jolene.

And the dogs were all on their best behavior, Camber, Sparks and Booji. Lovin' life on the top of the mountain...

And no Thanksgiving would be special without a tour of Volcano, population 101. We ventured into town to visit Elsa at the St. George Hotel, and to also "do the sights" (don't blink, you might miss the town).

A Year of Guide Dog Puppies...

2007-11-27T16:11:00.001-08:00

So many cute puppy pictures, so little time. Whether it's the new Guide Dog pups being socialized here in San Rafael, on one of their many puppy adventures with their raisers, or traveling along with the puppy trucks, here are some fun pics of our GDB pups in action. And stay tuned for more...

"Blakemore" making his debut, socializers loving the pups, "Max" during his first photo shoot...

"Charmie" greeting the world, more pups in action...

Lee and Stevie in Oregon, "Beckham," Ian and "Donnalee" in Goleta, "Tango" in Fresno, "Cosgrove" working on his tan...

"Heaven" at Hartford Family Winery, "Boomer" in costume, "Andera" and "Gucci" napping, "Garfield" all dressed up.

Our Puppy Trucks travel to 8 western states, delivering new pups to their raisers, and picking up dogs returning to one of our campuses to begin their official guide dog training.

Visit us on-line to learn more about Guide Dogs for the Blind, where we also have videos about our different programs:

http://www.guidedogs.com/

James Beard Foundation / Taste America

2007-11-14T17:34:00.001-08:00

Fun was had by all at this year's Taste America event at the St Regis Hotel in San Francisco.

Junior is loving life in the Alexander Valley...

2007-10-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Our friends ask what's been happening with our Junior-boy, and we'd like to let everyone know how well he is doing up in the Alexander Valley. He now has acres of romping room, two new buddies to hang out with everyday, lots of animals to visit and 150 new olive trees for marking. Here are some recent photos of Junior in his new environment. Lots of thanks and love to Nicole for letting have him live on her property. Stay tuned for more updates.

Blackberry and O'Malley are Junior's ranch-mates, and they've all seemed to bond

together quite nicely.

Celebrating with the "C" dogs...

2007-10-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ralph/Koala puppies, Cachet (Dale) Camber and Canby are all looking wonderful for their big 12th birthday. Thanks to Carole and Rich for hosting a fun and festive birthday brunch. Along with Christy and Mark, Allen and Butch and the Russel and I, we celebrated the special day with delicous food and drink. Now it's on to lucky year 13!

Canby RHM, loving life in San Rafael

Cachet (Dale) LSF, loving life in San Francisco and Duncans Mills, and here she is pictured with her litter of 9 pups: Kensington, Kincaid, Knox, Kovax, Kenwood, Katie, Kelsey, Kenzie and Kona.

Camber RSF, loving life in San Francisco, and soon in Palm Springs

And here's Camber and Canby, looking identical. Camber in her new sweater, and Canby winking at the world! Gotta love those Goldens.....

Time to share some fun pics.....walking down memory lane.

2007-09-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

A young Rudy, in his Sunday finest, the Aguilera clan loving life on Zink Avenue, young Anthony and Mick bundled up on San Francisco's Twin Peaks, and all of us kids packed in to the old Rambler.

Russel and Jolene, and Russel and Bunny.

Dale, loving life on Freezeout Road, watching the SF Giants with Allen and Camber, and Dale meeting her graduate son, Kincade, at GDB graduation, August 1999.

Fun Groups - Russel with Guerneville's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Mickey with Cosgrove, J2 and J1, and post-Holiday Luncheon activities in 2006.

And of course have to have some fun doggie pics - Camber and Junior at their first portrait sitting, Guerneville's finest Akita, Moochie, Wilma loving life in San Francisco, Pumpkin at her new home in Alexander Valley, Venice and her balloons, and Volcano's finest, Booji.

Big Birthday @ 2223 Market - A wonderful time!

2007-09-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's not everyday that you get to spend such a great Birthday Week with family and good friends, (pics L-R, Russel and mom, Elise and Mick, Mick and Cosgrove) but this was the best ever. Thanks to the Russel for planning a magical evening,

Pics from L-R, Karim and Dina, mom and little sister Rose, mom and Allen, Mitchell and Dean, little sister Ruth, Mickey and littler sister Rose, the Russel, Mick and Jenna.

World Travels - Italy 2007

2007-09-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

And incredible trip to Italy has been the highlight for this year (so far).

Rome, Florence, Siena and then an incredible to the Amalfi Coast.

Wrapping up the trip with several days in Ravello.....wonderful!

Our Florence apartment was inbetween the Ponte Vecchio and the Pitti Palace, right in the heart of the city.

An amazing drive from Florence to Ravello, in quite possibly the smallest car we've ever driven in. Here it, our Chevy Matiz.......batteries included.