Making a committment

Naturally,  I went home and shared my Guide Dog discovery with my family.  My daughter was sold, my son was willing, my husband needed more information.  I discovered that first I would have to attend a Guide Dog graduation out at the campus in Boring, Oregon.   Off I went to attend a graduation.  I didn't quite know what it was all about.  Typically, a Puppy Raiser receives a puppy at 8 weeks of age and again exposes the puppy to the world through socialization and obedience.  At around 15 months of age the puppy is recalled back to the campus for formal training or finishing school.  The pups go through 10 phases of training, which is roughly 5 months.  If the dog is physically healthy and passes all phases, he/she will be matched with a sight impaired person.  The dog and their sight imparied partner spend 3 weeks at the campus bonding and training together.  If all goes well there is a  graduation.  Raisers then get to formerly hand the dog over to their new owners with stories of their past adventures.  Its a real heart tug of a ceremony.  Tears flow and hearts soar.  This was going to be a truly amazing gift to give someone.