I have recounted here many times the "wonderfulness" (that's a word, isn't it?) of dogs. Certainly they are the best friends of us human-people type persons. What a joy it must be (plus some hard work) to raise a furry-friend destined to be someone else's guide dog. Yes, you're doing good, helping to train a dog to be the companion and friend and mostly the HELPER to someone who needs an assistant. But the folks who graciously consent to do this can't help but bond with the puppy they're entrusted with. And it really must be painful to give that young dog up finally, even knowing that the dog has a loving task ahead of it being the eyes or ears of someone in need. From the (CA) San Mateo County Times:
Puppy-raisers house-train the pups, teach them basic obedience and good manners, and -- above all -- socialize them to the world. Stahl and Formosa attended San Bruno Dog Obedience School, went shopping and to restaurants, traveled on BART and SamTrans, attended 4-H meetings and the San Mateo County Fair, and provided pet therapy to the elderly.Formosa returned to the Guide Dog campus for formal guidework training in March at age 18 months. Following completion of her training, she was partnered with graduating student Gerald Rickert in July.
After several weeks of an intensive in-residence course together, Rickert and Formosa are now enjoying their new life together. "Raising Formosa was an experience I will never forget," Stahl said. "She's a wonderful dog. My whole family is very proud of her, and it's a great feeling to know that we were able to help Gerald and his family."
For more than 50 years, Guide Dogs for the Blind has been creating lifelong partnerships by providing skilled dogs and training for free. The organization receives no government funds but depends entirely on private donations. For questions or to donate, contact Guide Dogs for the Blind, National Office, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94015; call (800) 295-4050; or visit Guide Dogs For the Blind.