Thank you, O-Dog

This is an email I just wrote to my puppy raisers. It says everything I would have written, anyway.

Jane and Family:

I hope all is well. This summer has been a busy one. I’m all moved into my new town house in Illinois awating the start of grad school on August 23rd. I’ve been working with a Guiding Eyes field rep for the past two days as I wanted some help on adjusting and learning the area for myself and also for Olivia. While she is still willing to work, she has slowed down a great deal, and it was the decision of both myself and the field rep to retire her and shoot to get into class with a new dog in January. While this is hard, I do have to say it’s an easier decision than if we were an unsafe team or if it was for health reasons. She’s perfectly healthy; in fact, she was just at the vet on July 30 and got a clean bill. The plan is to still work her for some things up until I go into class.

I’m writing to you to let you know that this happened, but also to ask if you would be in a position to take her when she retires. I am unable to keep her as my lease won’t allow it, and wanted to give you the next dibs. I know you would give her a good home and lots of love. I know you had said previously that you would gladly take her if you could.

If you can take her, the field rep out here said he could possibly bring her to GEB as early as October, or I would just bring her into class when I go and they would make arrangements with you at that time.

Take care, and I hope all is well.

Liz

I'm still in shock that this is happening, but it's better to happen now than mid-semester. I'm sure things will end up working out. The universe always provides.

In other news, I'm really enjoying having my family out here for the time that they are. They graciously drove all of my stuff out here and helped me move. I really do appreciate it.

I think that's about all from here. I'll update as it happens.