In Memory of Guiness McDonald

How do you start to describe a dog that meant so much to so many different people? Guiness was so much more than a pet. She was a family member, a sister, head of the "Canine" Resources department- conducting hundreds of daycare interviews, an ambassador and the face of Blueprints. She made you smile, she made you laugh. Guiness loved to greet clients and pets at the door. She truely was loved by all, that always smiling face could make anyone's day brighter. She may be gone from our lobby, but she remains always in our hearts
Guiness will be sorely missed by everyone in the Blueprints Family

Guiness' Story Saint Patrick's Day 2004 brought a little Luck of the Irish through the doors of Blue Prints Dog Studio. A 65 pound black and tan stray dog was brought into the daycare, in the hopes that someone would help her find a home. The dog was appropriately named Guiness (with only one "N") and changed our lives forever. What started out as a temporary adoption until the owner came forward to claim her, turned into a 7 year adventure and learning experience. Some background research identified her to be an 8 year old, German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix complete with food aggressiveness and an untrusting nature towards children. Despite the adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, her actions proved quite the opposite. Through a lifetime of training and exposure to new, positive experiences, she relinquished her food issues and enjoyed the company of kids (although the fact that they were always dropping "treats" for her probably helped!). Her newly developed demeanor was always on display at Blue Prints. She displayed her personalities in many ways including her civilized manner as the welcome dog and greeter; her professional side as the "interview" dog; and her grumpy old dog side as the play police when things in daycare got a little rowdy. The important role that she played at Blue Prints led to her image becoming the logo for the business. She was exposed to numerous and exciting experiences including elevator rides in Ohio, kayak rides around a friend's pond, and her favorite - hiking and camping in the Adirondack and Tug Hill Regions. Beginning in April of 2011, a series of health problems began to take control of Guiness' life. On May 11, 2011 her exceptional life came to an end. She was a loving companion who touched the lives of many people. Although she will be missed, her memory will live on in our hearts They will not go quietly, the dogs who've shared our lives. In subtle way they let us know their spirit still survives. Old habits still make us think we hear a barking at the door. Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor. Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be. And, sometimes, coming home at night, we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill, That one place in our hearts belongs to them... and always will. By: Linda Barnes