If you've been following my blog for a while, you probably know that I am a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Twice I have met the puppy truck to receive a squirmy bundle of fur. Reno was the first puppy I raised for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Drexel is my current puppy.
Nearly everytime I talk with someone about puppy raising, I'm met with the statement, "Oh, I could never do what you're doing. I'd get too attached. Isn't it hard to give them up?"
My standard reply is that I do get attached, but I know the puppy isn't mine, and returning the dog is more like sending a child to college than attending a funeral. Reno went back to the Guide Dog campus in January, and quickly went through his training. From all appearances, it seemed he was just waiting to be matched with a client.
Well, yesterday I felt like the principal just called to tell me my child had been expelled. Reno--hard-working, gentle, dedicated Reno--apparently had some sort of run-in with another dog in the training kennels. He has been "career changed." Some career change dogs can be used in other programs, like search-and-rescue, dogs for diabetics, etc., but some dogs end up just being pets. I'm still waiting for more information, but it looks like Reno might become a pet for someone--most likely someone without any other dogs. (Puppy raisers are given the option of receiving career change puppies back, but given Reno's reason for career change, it would be difficult to continue raising puppies with Reno here.)
I am disappointed. Though the situation surprised me--I never saw any indication of dog-aggression--I understand the decision, but I am sad.
"Isn't it hard to give them up?"
"It is when plans change."
Thanks for whoever ends up having Reno as a pet. He will make a great walking/hiking/running partner.
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| Sending Reno back on the puppy truck and picking up Drexel |
Nearly everytime I talk with someone about puppy raising, I'm met with the statement, "Oh, I could never do what you're doing. I'd get too attached. Isn't it hard to give them up?"
My standard reply is that I do get attached, but I know the puppy isn't mine, and returning the dog is more like sending a child to college than attending a funeral. Reno went back to the Guide Dog campus in January, and quickly went through his training. From all appearances, it seemed he was just waiting to be matched with a client.
Well, yesterday I felt like the principal just called to tell me my child had been expelled. Reno--hard-working, gentle, dedicated Reno--apparently had some sort of run-in with another dog in the training kennels. He has been "career changed." Some career change dogs can be used in other programs, like search-and-rescue, dogs for diabetics, etc., but some dogs end up just being pets. I'm still waiting for more information, but it looks like Reno might become a pet for someone--most likely someone without any other dogs. (Puppy raisers are given the option of receiving career change puppies back, but given Reno's reason for career change, it would be difficult to continue raising puppies with Reno here.)
I am disappointed. Though the situation surprised me--I never saw any indication of dog-aggression--I understand the decision, but I am sad.
"Isn't it hard to give them up?"
"It is when plans change."
Thanks for whoever ends up having Reno as a pet. He will make a great walking/hiking/running partner.You might find my posts on these blog hops:
Sew Darn Crafty Party, Find a Friend Friday, Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop, Show Your Stuff, The Wildly Original Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Down Home Blog Hop, Tuesday Archive Link Up, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Grandparents Say It Saturday
The Creative Home Acre Hop, Best Blog Post Ever, Grand Social,
Crafty Garden Mama,
Let's Get Social Sundays
Freedom Fridays
Tuesdays with a Twist
Pattern Party
All My Bloggy Friends
A Peek into My Paradise
One Project at a Time
I know this is a disappointment, but I am sure that Reno's new calling will be more being a pet.
ReplyDeleteAwww, poor Reno! He will make a great pet for someone!
ReplyDeleteHopefully Reno will be happy with his new assignment. I am sorry it didn't work out -- I'm sure it was the other dogs fault!! (Smiling - don't we think that with our own children sometimes?)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky family Reno will have cuz I just know that he's the perfect companion for someone. There is some lonely person who needs him more than anything and he needs them right back.
ReplyDeleteI had just started reading your post earlier when Amara arrived. We got on the subject of guide dogs and I just happened to have the picture of "the puppy" truck up on my monitor. I explained to her what you do and she thinks it is awesome! I am sorry for your disappointment -- I sure hope Reno finds a wonderful new home.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's too bad! So sorry to hear this and I understand you're sad about it. Strange though that one incident is enough to get expelled.
ReplyDeleteFor the people that will get Reno as a pet it will be a great companion, I'm sure of it!! Wished I live closer, I would love to be that person for him.