A personal favor

[Razor]

Done. You’re a better person than I. There’s no way would I be able to give one of those puppies at the end of the year. Heck, I’d have a hard time seeing Mando give up baby Yoda.

[Bogy]

Razor, I don't know, if Baby Yoda keeps throwing up in the space ship he might be glad to get rid of him.
I've know several other people who raised the Leader Dog puppies, and have another friend who takes in abused dogs. What makes it easier, according to them, is the excitement of knowing a new puppy is coming. I don't think I could do it, because I like dogs, but can't wait for them to get out of the puppy stage. Of course I keep getting labs, that don't grow up until age 12.

[Razor]

Bogy that’s a good way to look at it. I forgot to mention I have a 12 and 8 year old. They would never let that happen even if I could. 😆

[SheilaAnn]

Voted with my professional email and my passion project email.

[Meathead]

HawkerXP Sending the puppy back is, as you might guess, painful. But we constantly remind ourselves through the year that "This is not your puppy." Still, we cried for an hour after dropping off the first one, 30 minutes after the second, after that it was "See ya kid, don't forget to write." It can't be harder than sending a kid away to college of a marriage.

#6, Reese, the muddy Golden retriever pictured above, was "career changed" after 4 months of advanced training. That's polite for "flunked out." Seems she "lacked work ethic." That's polite for lazy. A guide dog needs to get up every morning and be ready to go to work. Reese is fond of her bed. She now lives with us permanently. So our score is 5 and 1. I believe the graduation rate is closer to 50% so our batting average is pretty good. Career changed dogs are offered first to the puppy raiser and then put up for adoption. You can apply on the Leader Dog website. These are VERY well trained dogs only 12-18 months old. Mostly Labs, some Goldens, and some Shepherds. If you are interested in being a puppy raiser, go to their website https://leaderdog.org

If anybody is interest in learning more, the movie "Pick of the Litter" is an excellent 81 minute documentary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pick_of_the_Litter_(film)

We are hoping for puppy #7 next spring.

Knowing that a dog you helped train is out there dragging a blind person around is extremely gratifying.

[HawkerXP]

I totally agree, a very worthy cause. We have had a couple of Labs in our family. So hard when "that" time comes. Thank you for letting us assist.

[HawkerXP]

Reese. I've seen that look before. Who? Me? Dig in the garden? Nooooo. Not me.

[lovetogrill]

Done with pleasure

[djl]

Done

[Santamarina]

You’re awesome, Meathead! My mom and step-dad are both blind and have guide dogs from Guide Dogs of America in Southern California. It’s a very noble cause. I can’t tell you how much of a change it’s made for my mom since she got her first guide almost 20 years ago. Keep up the great work. You’re making a real difference in the world!

[jharner]

Done

[Whiskeyman53]

Done, the goal of preparing dogs to care for others can't be reached without the first step in the process.

[SheilaAnn]

Just voted again! Leader Dogs is 518 down from first!

[Grapefarmer]

My daughter has raised three labs for the Guide Dogs For the Blind based in San Rafael, CA. She did this through 4-H and it was a remarkable experience. We were able to attend the graduation when they were with their new owners
who were very grateful. A great project.. .

[Huskee]

The gap's widening . Looks like a helpful charity will get the donation regardless.