This is why we raise service pups. The tears and heartbreak at turn-in seem to disappear when you see "your" dog with his new person. Oh, I still miss him. I always will. But the sense of accomplishment seems to be a balm for the sharpest pain.
I was very pleased when I heard that a match had been made. It means Talos is almost done with all the training and ready to go out and make a life-changing difference in someone's life. This is what it's all about.
His partner is a great gal and she's watched Talos progress from a wee baby into the handsome gentleman he is today. She's known for quite some time that Talos could potentially be hers – and she's sent him gifts in the mail, supported me through the terrible turn-in, and will be a terrific partner for a terrific dog.
Generally, the match between dog and person is done first on paper. The service dog organization identifies the dog (or dogs) that have the skills to match the applicant. A match on paper, however, is only the first step. There's got to be a personality match. The dog and the person have to have chemistry. Without that chemistry, the perfect dog and the perfect person might make an awful team.
I wasn't there when Big T got to meet his match, but I heard it was quite impressive. There was chemistry. I do, however, have a little bit of video of the two of them together (compliments of T's new partner). (See below.) The official transfer from Service Dogs of Virginia to the new partner will begin in late January. It will take about two weeks of long, hard days for the two of them to learn how to work together, how to become a team, how to trust one another.
I'm a proud mama. The first time I saw the video, I burst into tears. Big T is going on to do good things. Great things! Go, T, go!
Click here to watch the video full screen on Smart Dog U's YouTube channel.
You know I have no words for you 🙂
You’ll make a terrific team. And I’ll ALWAYS be available to watch him if you ever need me! 😉
I’ll email you soon, but for right now keep March 22-? open for Jh ok.
What about T’s tribute video?
It’s a-comin’. 🙂
How can you not tear up watching that video. You can still see the puppy in his face, yet he walks like a responsible old timer. Good job to you for helping raise such a great dog!
Thank you Laurie and Kathy for sharing that video. Talos doesn’t look like a goofy puppy any more.
Best of luck to Kathy and Talos as you become a working team!
Thank you Pamela. That means a lot!
Thanks for sharing that great video of Talos and his new partner. It brought tears to my eyes. I found your website because of Talos (since I own a great dane) and I’ve watched him grow into the fine service dog that he has become. We have learned alot from watching you train him and wish him well with his new partner. Keep up the great work of training these dogs. We miss you Talos but know you are going on to do wonderful things.
AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane and Denise
Oh Laurie!! Kathy and Talos make a beautiful team – in the video, he’s so in tune and this was only their first meeting!?! You’ve done a wonderful job, L. Best wishes to Talos and Kathy!
What a great video! Talos looks quite grown up now — really ready to be part of a team. So exciting to see what he is doing.
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve helped with some service dog in basic classes but heve never seen and introduction once they graduate from a program. This is awesome. I can’t wait to see a follow-up video.