OT: The Dog is Gone
 

As many of you know, I've been raising a puppy for the past 12.5 months who is being trained as Guide Dog for the Blind. Well, this morning he was taken back by the Foundation for the final 8 months of his training. If he passes, I will not be allowed to see the dog again. If he fails to make it through, I will have the ability to adopt him.

Between, the 9-11 anniversary (I was a witness here in Manhattan and volunteered at Ground Zero with DJD and knew some of the victims) and some other unpleasantness in life (mostly people I know having bad luck and also being depressed about 9-11, etc.), having him go back could not have had worse timing. I'm much more sad and depressed than I had imagined I would be. :(

I've attached a photo below.

(I decided to edit some info out in the interest of good relations with the Foundation)

bummer:(

Well, it's a bummer but I'm very happy that I did it and really hope he can go onto help improve the quality of life of a blind person. Still, I am surprised by how hard it hit me when I came back to my apartment, after leaving him with a Foundation member, and encountered all of his toys laying around.

How about getting another one? Start training the new one, and in the event you get the first guy back, you might have a 4 month overlap with 2 dogs, before the new one goes back into the system.

That is exactly what I was going to say. Or just get one that you can keep forever and never have to part with.

What you are doing with those dogs is wonderful. It is a totally selfless act. There should be more people like you in the world.

:( :( I hope it works for the ones you trained him for.

But letting a child go is always hard.:( :(

Keep you chin up. Most times we see a post like this, it's because of an pet that has passed on, very sad, especially to an animal lover such as myself. Rather than occupying a hole in the ground, you can be proud that while your dog isnt in your life anymore, he will be helping someone that will rely on, trust and love him, and hopefully have a long, happy life.....Like others have said, train another, or get a keeper. If you didn't love animals, you wouldn't have trained this one, or feel as badly as you do now. Goodluck to you and your dog, wherever he ends up.............

Bummer dude I know how you feel That feeling stinks so damn bad. :(

Thanks for the all the info. I'm actually surprised at how sad I've been feeling because I'm not very emotional in general. I had not appreciated how his absence would make me feel.

As for raising another or getting one of my own, that will have to wait. At the moment, there aren't any others available to raise for the Foundation (though that could change next week or later on) and I don't want to adopt a new dog until I know if Barney passed or failed, since I could adopt him. I just have to wait for up to 8 months.

The worst part was picking up his toys, bed, bones, favorite blanket and pillow, etc. that were strewn about the apartment when I returned from giving him to the woman from the Foundation. That's when it really hit me hard.

Oh well. At least it's been for a great cause and he may enrich the life of someone who could benefit from him even more than I.

That is a great thing you did !!!!
You are a tougher man than I.......There is no way i could give one up after so much time !!!

The "Foundation" would be chasing me across the country !!!:D

Miller,

I can only imagine how you feel. For the blind persons sake I hope he makes someone a lifelong companion. But for you, I hope he doesn't make it and he comes HOME! Keep your chin up dude. Call me if you need anything over the weekend. Maybe hangin' with Candice would help. Take care pal.

Shane

I admire what you are doing

I know how you feel. A couple of years ago I had to give my two weimaraners away because my new house didn't have the outdoor space for them to run. That may have been the hardest thing I've ever done. Wow did it hurt! I know they are in a good home now with plenty of out outdoor running room and I'm sure it was the right thing to do, but man did that hurt. Isn't amazing how attached we get to pets?

That's one great gift you're giving to someone in need! My hat goes off to you.

Fred, while I appreciate the comments I did not do anything worthy of earning your respect. I simply helped where I could, nothing more. If anything, I probably owe the Foundation a thank you and some grattitude because they ALLOWED me to experience this amazing dog in my world for more than a year.

I benefitted significantly from the experience; met people and had encounters that I would not have had otherwise. So, I really am better off today for having been allowed the honor of raising the dog. The price I'm paying for all of that is some sorrow, longing and sadness that he's gone. Really, the price is a bargain. And, because I got so much out of the experience, I'm not certain you can really classify it as entirely altruistic. That implies that I did something for which I derived no benefit. In this case, I was on the receiving end of some wonderful memories.

And, he may again find a home here. Let's just hope that he passes while knowing that he'll happily live out his life with me if he doesn't.

Miller, you're much stronger than I could ever be, as I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to my friend the way you did. It's hard enough taking that last walk, or in my case, the last ride to the vet in the car, with a presence that's been a treasured member of your family, knowing that very soon she'll be sleeping forever more. My biggest regret is that I wasn't strong enough to hold her, to comfort her so that she wouldn't be alone, when the vet administered the injection,,,,,,

My biggest regret is that I wasn't strong enough to hold her, to comfort her so that she wouldn't be alone, when the vet administered the injection,,,,,, [/B][/QUOTE]

Miller, I can't imagine having to do that. Hope all goes well. And do what my mom used to tell me when I was little.....Think Happy Thoughts!!!

I don't think I could do that either Crazyhorse but I will. My Golden is a huge part of my life. Have you have ever read the 10 commandments of being a pet owner? Makes alot of sense. The Rainbow Bridge helps ease the pain.

What Fred said goes for me too. Your a stand up guy in my book.

Roger

My best friend....

When I put my Shepard to sleep ten years ago I stayed with him. I`m really glad that I did.

I've got three. 12, 8, and 3. Wouldn't give'm up for anything.Only two in this pic.
Well, maybe a 51 outerlimits.:p :p :eek: :eek: