Probably the most difficult day of raising a puppy is the day you return the dog for IFT. You've just spent the last 14-18 months putting your heart and soul into this dog. You've taken a small puppy and lived through housebreaking, hoovering, the teenage years; you've taught the dog numerous commands, taken him everywhere, been with him nearly 24 hours a day. He is now a well-mannered, obedient, confident dog. So naturally, we want him back. It's time to complete his training and turn him into a well-mannered, obedient, confident guide dog. And no matter how much you tell yourself that the dog has a greater purpose in life, that you are giving someone the gift of mobility and independence, it still hurts to give him back. A lot.
So I want to tell you a couple things from the other side of the fence. It may seem like the dogs disappear into a big black hole of a kennel where they are just one namelss dog among many. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone in the Training Department, from kennel assistants to trainers, loves all the dogs and knows them by name and by sight. The KA's especially, quickly learn all the personality quirks of each dog. Throw a name at them and they will tell you anything you want to know about that dog.
Trainers get really excited when their new string of dogs comes in. Before the dogs arrive, we bug the puppy department for the list of IFT dogs and pour over it, looking at names, the breeds. Usually the dogs come in while we are still in class, but once they are here, every training team makes it a point to sneak up to the receiving kennel one afternoon to see their new dogs. These are the dogs that will consume our work days for the next several months. These are the dogs, some of them at least, that will go into class with us and become someone's guide dog.
I guess my point here is that while IFT might be a dreaded and despised event in PuppyLand, here at guide dog school it's much anticipated. We know how much you love the dogs and how hard it can be to send them back to us. We know how much work you put into the dogs. A simple thank you will never be enough, but on behalf of all my colleagues: Thank You. We couldn't do our job without you.
9 comments:
It is gratifying to see all of the hard work that goes into the training of these dogs. Some of the information that Raymond, Karin, Jessi and even Marisa gave me about Major has been invaluable and it is obvious to this graduate that the entire staff loves each dog that comes in.
Lin and Major
Yours was beautiful. Nearly (!?) misty-eyed. To first-timers, that IFT is offset when it's Puppy Raiser Day! To meet our first pup's match was priceless....our baby so well tuned and matched. We were amazed and feel blessed to be a small part of your wonderful operation. We love dearest Morgan. However, would not take her back so long as she is doing her job....a job she was born to do and loved so much. Oh yes...we have a place for her when she reaches "assisted living" time. The sponsoring Morgan family are equally pleased, want to know her future activies....it takes a village....indeed!
Here's to you all, a tip of the hat & glass to each, your special match Shawnna and
dearest Morgan. Mega thanks.
After just turning in a pup at WAT this was nice to hear :) thank you! You all do such a great job with the pups we love and its nice to be reminded that they are not just a number when they go IFT.
IFT really isn't a "dreaded and despised event," but your reassurance certainly helps! Near the end of our time with a puppy, we know that we have given them all that we can -- that they NEED their professional trainers. Our tears are plentiful, but worth every drop. Thank you for welcoming your new charges with as much love as they've just left.
Thank you Karen..your reassurance helps reinforce our purpose for Puppy Raising and gives insight to how things will be when our puppy goes IFT..a date we reluctantly anticipate
Bill and Marge
My son, who was only 9 years old at the time, replied when asked if he would be okay with having a puppy in our lives for a year, then giving it back to go on to do bigger & better things, "Yes, because the person who will get him needs him more than we do." This still overwhelms me and brings me to tears of joy. (And my daughter, then 7, added, "And then they give you a NEW puppy!") Not a bad deal for anyone involved. Just always remember, this is not YOUR puppy; my response to anyone who ever inquired about "my" puppy was, "This is not my puppy, he belongs to Southeastern Guide Dogs; I am raising him to one day become a guide dog for a visually impaired person." Keep it all in perspective- of course we all miss these pups, but look at what they will do one day for someone "who needs them more than we do."
~Tracee, (Sparky's, Bear's, & Bob's Puppy Raiser)
Thank you for this post. I needed this one. After touring the school recently, I began to wonder how my puppy would feel upon IFT being in a kennel environment after being in a home for so long. I'm happy to hear that the trainers are excited about their arrival and that the KA's learn about our little angels as individuals.
Thanks for posting this! As I prepare to turn in my puppy in April. It is comforting to know that the trainers are excited for all the new puppies to come in. It is also reassuring that they are loved and are known by name. Thanks for what all you guys do!
Our IFT for INDY isn't until, possibly, July and I am already worried about it. We have grown to love INDY and the confident and gentle young lady that she is. I know that she is going to make a wonderful partner for someone, but the thought of returning her is still hard. Thank you for the article! As a first time puppy raiser, I need to hear this many times.
Michelle
Post a Comment