Introduction
Raising a puppy is a rewarding yet challenging journey, but imagine raising one with the purpose of it becoming a Leader Dog for the blind. It’s a unique experience that combines the joys of pet parenting with the noble task of preparing a companion for someone in need. My family and I embarked on this path four years ago, and it has been an incredible adventure ever since.
The Journey Begins
Our interest in becoming a ‘puppy raiser’ for the Leader Dog School for the Blind was piqued by a friend. After submitting our application and expressing our preference for a German Shepherd, we were placed on a waiting list. Six months later, we welcomed our first puppy, Remington, into our family. Along with our two German Shepherds, Prince and Mindy, and our cat, Tigger, Remington became a part of our daily lives.
Training and Socialization
The manual provided by the school outlined our responsibilities, which included housebreaking, socialization, and teaching basic obedience commands. The goal was to prepare Remington for various situations, sounds, and environments. He accompanied us everywhere, from public facilities to construction sites, and even through car washes. His ‘Future Leader Dog’ vest allowed him access to almost every place we went, and people were encouraged to interact with him.
Financial Responsibility and Regular Updates
As puppy raisers, we took full financial responsibility for Remington’s care, including food, licenses, and veterinary expenses. Every two months, we provided the school with updates on his progress, health, and any concerns we had. The school was always ready to assist with any questions or guidance we needed.
Evaluation and Decision Time
After a year, Remington was evaluated by the school to determine his suitability as a Leader Dog, a breeding candidate, or if he needed more time to mature. If he wasn’t a good fit for their program, we had the option to adopt him or the school would find him a suitable home or another service dog program.
Saying Goodbye and Moving On
Remington was approved to continue his Leader Dog training, and it was time for us to say goodbye. It was a tearful farewell, but we knew it was for the greater good. After Remington’s successful completion of his training and matching with a blind person, we decided to continue our journey as puppy raisers with a Labrador Retriever named Nugget. She too went on to become a Leader Dog and now lives in Spain.
The Joys and Challenges of Puppy Raising
Our third puppy, Shadow, a German Shepherd, is currently in training. Despite the occasional embarrassing moments, like when he chased his tail in a Walmart, we find the experience incredibly fulfilling. It’s true that giving up a puppy after a year is hard, but the joy and fulfillment we receive from raising them far outweigh the sadness.
Conclusion
Being a ‘puppy raiser’ is a commitment that gets into your blood. The daily joy, the bonds formed, and the knowledge that these puppies will go on to change someone’s life makes it all worthwhile. After every goodbye, the urge to do it again strikes, and we find ourselves reaching out to the school, eager to welcome another puppy into our family. It’s a journey of love, growth, and service that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
Author: Ulrike Cline
