When I started doing the Guide Dog puppy walking I heard great stories of how those that went on to train in Forfar (better known as Big School) had visits from their puppy walkers and the pw's were kept in touch with them and got letters about their pup's activities and pictures of them. So I thought we'd be no different.
I was also told that doing a 'cross-over' i.e. getting another puppy before the big one went off, would be a good thing to do so that the new puppy can learn from the older puppy and have another dog to play with/fight with/dig its sharp teeth into. I decided to absolutely go for this option.
Today I got a phone call from the Puppy Supervisor to tell me that Odi had passed all her x-rays and was now wanted at the Guide Dog Centre in Leamington Spa as soon as possible, bypassing Forfar altogether. And, even if she doesn't make it as a brood bitch during the next round of tests, she'll undoubtedly be doing her proper Guide Dog training down there and not at Forfar, so the likelihood of us ever seeing her again is nil.
Arrangements have been made and Odi is going off on October 20th. Our new puppy arrives on 21st. So much for cross-over. So much for visiting my lovely Odi in Forfar.
I feel quite tearful.
Oh Vee. All credit to you, there's no way I could do it. I think it might be easier not seeing her in the flesh though. Sending hugs and Rolf sends some of his special kisses.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise. Tell Rolf I shall expect more when I see him next week!
DeleteOh no! Do they have an Instagram account where you'll at least see photos now & again? Feeling tearful for you. X
ReplyDeleteApparently we do get told what happens and then maybe a pic, but it would have been lovely to get to see her again before she went off working like we would've done if she had gone to Forfar. Nature of the game I suppose. Still she'll be gone but not forgotten and, if she does make it as a brood bitch, we might even get one of her puppies. That would be lovely as long as we could put in we'd prefer the gentle one and not the hooligan if at all poss!
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