Ep 6. Together at Last

Pick of the Litter follows six puppies as they undergo rigorous training to become guide dogs for the blind. Each episode chronicles their progress as they learn to navigate the world around them and bond with their human handlers.

In season 1 episode 6, titled "Together at Last," the puppies are nearing the end of their training and preparing for their final evaluations. The stakes are high as they must prove they have what it takes to become guide dogs and provide a life-changing service for their future owners.

The episode begins with a heartwarming reunion between two of the puppies, Paco and Raffi. The two were raised together in the same litter but have been separated for months as they underwent their training. As they playfully romp and wrestle together, it's clear that their bond as siblings is as strong as ever.

Meanwhile, trainer Olivia is working with Paco on his obstacle course training. The course is designed to simulate the challenges a blind person may encounter in the real world, such as navigating around people and objects. Paco performs well, showing off his skills as he effortlessly weaves his way through the obstacles.

Over in San Francisco, trainer Ron is working with a spirited black Labrador named Amara. Amara has a tendency to get distracted by her surroundings, so Ron has her practice walking on a busy street with lots of distractions. At first, Amara struggles to stay focused and gets sidetracked by a pigeon, but Ron encourages her to stay on task and eventually she nails the exercise.

Back in Portland, trainer Taj is working with the smallest puppy in the group, Paco's sister and Raffi's littermate, Tulane. Tulane is struggling with her leash manners and tends to pull when she gets excited. Taj works with her on "heeling," a technique to keep the dog walking calmly and beside her handler. After some initial frustration, Tulane begins to get the hang of it and shows improvement.

As evaluation day draws near, the puppies are put through a final test to see how they handle a real-life situation. The trainers take them to a busy shopping center and have them navigate through the crowds, avoiding distractions and keeping their handlers safe.

Despite some initial nerves, the puppies perform admirably, staying focused and following their training. Amara even manages to navigate through a construction site without getting spooked by the noise.

Finally, it's time for the big evaluation. The trainers bring the puppies to meet with the Guide Dogs for the Blind evaluators, who will decide if they are ready to graduate and become full-fledged guide dogs.

As each puppy is put through their final paces, the tension is palpable. The evaluators scrutinize their behavior, looking for any signs of nervousness or disobedience. But one by one, the puppies pass with flying colors, their hard work and dedication paying off.

In the end, all six puppies graduate and are matched with their new owners. It's a bittersweet moment as the trainers say goodbye to the dogs they've grown to love over the past year, but they know that they'll be making a huge difference in the lives of their new owners.

"Together at Last" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the incredible bond between these guide dog puppies and their trainers. It's a reminder of the important work that these dogs do and the immense impact they have on the lives of the blind and visually impaired.