Special Program

I remember when I first thought of applying for a guide dog. Proudly, I walked away with a Golden Retriever named Holly. She was three years old and was donated to the school because her family was breaking up. I walked away with a real prize from their marriage, yet never really sat down and thought about her life before she was my dog.

Holly and Mego

As Mego came into my life, I began to realize just a little of how difficult it must be to part with a puppy you have loved for at least a year. Could I do this? Give up a puppy I had loved and taught all the things young dogs need to know? During Mego’s life I met a lady who really enlightened me of the selfless gift from someone who puts in their time and their hearts into the dog that becomes the guide dog that walks a person through the paths of life.

Mego as a puppy

Mego with his puppy raiser

Vivi is my third guide dog gift. Now I am more sensitive than ever concerning those puppy raisers who help these wonderful animals become the loving guide they were created to be. I missed Vivi’s third birthday in getting out this blog, but here are my thoughts as I look at the entire process that took place even before Vivi was born.

Vivi in training 

Vivi with her puppy raiser  

                                   

Puppy Raiser

I heard about this program where I could get a puppy

I could take him home and keep him just as though he would be mine;

Give him all my love and teach him everything he'd need

To grow up to be a guide dog for the blind.

A very special program, so I reached out my hand;

And I held this little puppy--and I loved him just like mine!

Now I'm searching deep inside me to find the strength that I need

To let him be a guide dog for the blind.

Did I do it good enough?

Teach you all the right stuff;

Please don’t look back or I might cry,

You must go with your trainer there

Do you know how much I care

I didn't know it would be so hard to say good-bye.

Blindness

I heard about this program where I could get a guide dog

To take me all those places where I cannot go alone;

Brand new taste of freedom! Almost as good as seeing.

Now my dog and me?--We'll make it on our own.

A very special program, so I reached out my hand

I'm holding to the harness of the one I'm so proud of!

Now I'm searching deep inside me to find the words that I need

To say thank you for such a special gift of love!

A gift that keeps on giving,

A special way of living,

A heart that is so willing to be a guide;

Helping me to see

How it was meant to be.

Two hearts that walk together, side by side.

A very special program, Two people reach out their hands,

Intangible touch of love of a unique kind.

I thank you beyond measure, your gift truly a treasure,

As you see this way of giving to the blind.

Holly, Mego, and Vivi