Thank you, O-Dog

[unsilenceddream]

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.

Comments

[soprano1790.livejournal.com]

Oh Lizz. I'm so sorry! I can't even imagine. When do you start the semester?

[unsilenceddream.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the comment. I start on August 23. As it looks now, I'm going to see if I can't keep her and work her on short routes until I hopefully go into class in January.

[gentlewit.com (from livejournal.com)]

I really need to check LJ more. One of the faults of not blogging here anymore I guess.

Anyway, I'm sorry to hear this. It's never easy to retire a guide no matter what the reason. Glad you can still work her for a bit, even if it isn't right up until your next dog. (Was Liv your first? I can't recall.)

Looks like we might be getting dogs about the same time, too.

[unsilenceddream.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your comment. Liv is my second guide. My first, (Katerina), I worked for about a year before she had to retire early due to not wanting to work anymore . It isn't easy, not at all, but it's all for the best. Yay for possibly getting dogs at the same time!

[scriblesnbraile.livejournal.com]

Aww, Liz, I'm so sorry.

[unsilenceddream.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[thebig-t.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com)]

Hey Lizz!!!! It's Torie here. I am sorry i haven't been about, but i only keep live journal for for friends page, and i do all my writing on my blog now.

I am sorry to hear about your guide dogs retirement. I am glad you can still work her still. I hope my guide dog doesn't have to retire for ages (getting her in 3 weeks).

I hope all goes well for you, and am sorry you had to make that decision. Xxxx

[unsilenceddream.livejournal.com]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I feel ridiculous saying this, but I'm not exactly sure I know who you are. Where are you going to get your dog from?
Take care, and thanks again.

[2am-sunrise.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry to hear this. How long have you had her? I too have just had to make the horrible decision to no longer work with my guide, although my situation is totally different from yours. My first guide worked flawlessly for years, however while its been less than a year with my current guide her issues are not getting resolved and we've decided she'll be more fit for a different job. Its really hard. Let me know if you want or need to talk dog! hugs.

[unsilenceddream.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I've worked her for 6.5 years. I'm sorry to hear about your guide dog situation, too.
Take care, and thanks again.

Thank you, O-Dog

[leaffan.livejournal.com]

Oh Liz, this must be so hard. Hugs.

Re: Thank you, O-Dog

[unsilenceddream.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It is hard, but support from her puppy raisers, my friends and, no less important, the guide dog school, is making it somewhat easier.