Watson's Freshman Orientation to College

Taking Guide Dog puppies back is very tough for Puppy Raisers.

We know when we go into Puppy Raising that we have to give them back, but, it doesn't mean to say that it isn't hard.

Southeastern Guide Dogs know this is an emotional time and do a great job at IFT (In For Training).


The walkway leading up to the Assessment Centre, where the dogs will start their training, is lined with welcome signs.

Each dog also has their own sign and kindergarten photo greeting them.






Watson was so excited to be back.

She was on high alert watching everything.

There were so many dogs and so many smells to catch her attention.






It is a beautiful campus with gardens, fountains and paths for training and practice walks with the dogs.

There is a statue specifically in honour of Puppy Raisers and our contribution to the program.

The recognition is very touching.





Twenty-eight dogs went IFT the same day Watson went.

Four of Watson's siblings were also there. Brother Preston, brother Champ(agne), Watson, sister Ava and sister Cami all posed for a family group photo.

We also got to see the kennels where Watson will be living over the next 3 weeks while she has her initial assessments.

Boys dorm in one wing, girls dorm in the other wing.

Watson will be rooming with her sister Ava.

Cami will be several kennels away.

We were each given a large milkbone to write a note to our puppies.

I am sure Watson gobbled hers down quickly and didn't even hear our note to her.

The Orientation Yearbook had a kindergarten photo and a short bio for each puppy.

Each dog and Puppy Raiser was called forward while a commentary was read and Puppy Raiser pictures taken over the last year were on the Big Screen.

Someone always has to go first. I was warned that Watson would be called first.

GULP.

Watson was super excited.

A Canine Care Technician met us.

I took off our collar and they put on their collar.

I said my goodbyes.

Then Watson trotted off.

She did not look back.

Not one of the dogs looked back or hesitated.

It is bittersweet, but that is the way it should be. It means we did a good job raising a confident dog that is prepared to face the world, without us.

But it doesn't make it any easier.

Siiiiiiiiiiiiigh.