Hello & Goodbye
Hello:
Each guide dog puppy is a new beginning. Puppies and sunrises have much in common. Each begins with anticipation,
hope and energy. The puppies are so easy to love. We love their soft coats, their puppy breath, their boundless curiosity
and the unreserved excitement they have for each moment. Each puppy is a promise and a goal. Puppies and raisers have a
lot to learn from each other.
Hello Poem:
You and I have begun a long journey together. One day, you will become the trusted guide for a person who is blind.
Along the way, you and I will learn many new things. The time we share will
enrich both of our lives. I promise to do all in my power to help
you become a guide, including one day having to say goodbye.
I promise to teach you with patience and encouragement. I will try hard to
praise you for the behavior you do right. If you make a mistake,
please know that the error is mine. When I must correct you, I
promise to immediately show you the right way. I know that
puppies learn more from praise than from reprimands. In turn,
please forgive me for my mistakes, I too am learning and trying
hard to improve.
I promise to take care of all your basic needs. I promise that by my side we
will go to many different places. I will teach you how to live in
a human family and how to accept our complicated community.
In turn, I know that you can teach me many things. Watching you I can learn how
to wake-up each morning with a sense of joy and expectation. You
can teach me what it means to be a loyal and trusting friend. And
you can help me realize the value of setting high goals and
working hard every day.
I know that our journey will be an experience neither you nor I will ever forget.
Together, we will make this world a better place. You and I will
change each others life for the better.
Goodbye:
The most frequent question a guide dog puppy raiser gets asked is, "How can you give the puppy up?" Each puppy raiser
has his/her own answer. For some, the answer is to consider each puppy as a very special gift; a gift you have helped
create and one which will transform the life of a friend you have yet to meet. Yet it still hurts to say goodbye. The
tears flow whether it is your first puppy or the twelfth you have raised.
Goodbye Poem:
You and I have begun a long journey together. One day, you will become the trusted guide for a person who is blind.
Goodbye, dear friend. You and I have been together since you were small enough to be carried in my
arms. I am saying goodbye and not farewell. Down the road, I hope
we will see each other again.
You are going away to complete your destiny and to help me achieve a dream.
From the moment you came to live in my house, you have been my
greatest challenge. Just as you had to rely on me for your care
and training, one day your partner will rely on you for safety
and independence.
I am told you are worth a lot, but your value to me is greater than any sum of
money. You have been my furry friend and companion. We have
worked and played together. You have slept in my room. Many
times, I have laughed at your antics. Sometimes, I have cried
over you. You have helped teach me the difficult lessons of
patience and responsibility. You have helped me mature as a
person. Take care, dear friend. I wish you well.
I know that you will do your best.
I will never forget you.
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