Little Bucky was officially inducted as a Freshman at Guide Dog U on Saturday August 9th. There were 28 dogs that came back the same day and are Freshman in his class.
The school did a great job of easing the sadness and anxiety of "the hand-over." They had a program that lasted 3 hours and helped alleviate the worry of sending Bucky "back home". (The "Welcome Home" sign choked me up - very sweet, BUT, I thought his "home" was with US!)
Bucky posed in front of his picture that was taken in his harness at 6 weeks old. He's grown a little bit since then....
We got a chance to check out the Assessment Kennels and the dorm where Bucky will be staying for his first month at College. It is a great brand-spanking-new building.
Bucky's roomate is Zak - a yellow lab that's been raised in Ocala, Florida. I didn't get a chance to meet Zak, but I certainly hope he's a good boy and doesn't lead little Bucky astray. If I hear any bad reports about Bucky..... well..... ahem.... Actually, I'm sure Bucky is totally capable of getting himself into trouble....
The CCT's (Certified Canine Technicians) and Trainers were all so nice, happy and friendly when they proudly let us check out the new dorm. I am sure they must be excited about the new crop of Freshman and optimistic to check out the awesome dogs they will have to work with...... as we sadly hand over our little bundles of joy that we have been treasuring for a year.
Now.... for the hard part..... the actual hand-over.
We all got called up - alphabetically - to hand over our puppies. With the name "Bucky", he was number six. We walked to the front of the class, I swapped collars and leashes with the Trainers/CCT's (Canine Care Technicians) and little Bucky happily trotted off to his dorm! Without even looking back!!!!
Its sorta sad, but actually really good. It means he has confidence to head out on his own and not be worried about me coming with him. So, it means we have raised him well.
But he could have at least given me a quick kiss good bye or a longing look of love. The other dogs might not have noticed. Little Brat!!! Sniff!!!!!
Awaiting him in his kennel was his Kong, stuffed with all kinds of goodies and treats that we had prepared when we arrived. I am sure when he got there and found them, he snarffled them down and kept himself occupied - for a short while. He probably didn't even notice that I wasn't there to give it to him.
Such a mixed set of emotions. Incredible pride and optimism for his future. But sadness to let him go, especially when he was becoming a fantastic, smart and well behaved little dog.
And then of course, there is the inevitable worrying about him.... Will he miss us, will he be okay, will he like his roommate, will he like the other dogs, will the trainers and CCT's (Canine Care Technicians) be good to him...
I worry about his first month in the Assessment Kennels.
My biggest worry is if he will he pass the first month of heavy duty medicals. He will have MRI's and CAT scans, checking his hips, elbows, eyes, heart.... and probably many other body parts known to vets and canines but unknown to me.
It would be so sad and disappointing if he has a medical issue that will not allow him to progress further in his training as a Guide Dog.
But there is nothing that can be done about that. So no need to worry..... (That's John talking!)
No need to worry...... much..... (That's Linda talking!)
So on Saturday, they got a great dog (back), and we got an empty collar, a heavy heart and fantastic memories.
Go little Bucky - we hope we have given you a great start with the love, confidence and skills you need to do your best and follow the path that makes you happy.
Go little Bucky - we hope we have given you a great start with the love, confidence and skills you need to do your best and follow the path that makes you happy.
Love from your Puppy Raising Mom and Dad.
No comments:
Post a Comment