We have three permanent dogs — dogs that were released from service work. Three dogs, plus a yearly rotating service pup in training, is about all we can handle. Four permanent dogs plus a service dog just wouldn’t work well. And here are the reasons why.
1. We couldn’t raise a service pup in training if we had four permanent dogs.
2. Our current dogs wouldn’t be afforded the same level of attention and training with the addition of another dog.
3. I am devoted to Tango, my yellow Labrador, and want to focus on “he and me.”
4. When I am finally ready to get another dog, after Tango is no longer with us (which I hope is a long, long time from now), I want a dog with whom I can continue therapy work.
Those are four very good reasons. Hard to argue with reasons.
So why, tell me, is it so painful for me to decline keeping sweet Great Dane, Siena, who is being released from the service dog program?
I *know* it’s the right decision — logically. Alas, I am ruled not with logic, but rather by emotion. And emotionally, I WANT TO KEEP HER!
It’s as if I have two very different people living in my head. And they argue constantly over this issue. And each of them have very compelling arguments.
Every danged time a Dane comes into my life so far, it’s resulted in heartbreak. That danged lovely Talos with his ice-blue eyes and cow-like spots nearly killed me with grief when I had to turn him in. (He’s now a brilliant service dog working for a brilliant woman, so the ending is happy].
And now, the adorable and oh-so-lovey Siena’s going to kill me when I give her up to a loving home [that’s going to be wonderful to her and for her].
Here’s the part I really don’t understand about myself. EVERY time I raise a service dog, I cry and my heart is broken. Yet, I’m not keeping Siena because I want to keep raising service dogs.
I think I’m crazy. That is all.
I have a really hard time understanding how you – and all of the other amazing puppy raisers I have met – do it. It’s an incredible gift that you give, whether the puppy ends up as a service dog or as a happy pet who will be better socialized and ready to handle the world than they could possibly have been without your help. What you do is to give blood, sweat, and tears to make that puppy all it can be, and then you have to disentangle your emotions for the benefit of someone else. Crazy? Maybe. Giving, loving, selfless, and heroic — those would be the words I would choose. In awe of you – Janet Velenovsky
Janet, you are so sweet. I think crazy fits — why else would I turn down a perfectly lovely DANE just for more heartache and tears. Heck, this girl, who I’ve spent just one month with, is already tear-producing, and I know I’ll be able to keep her ’til we find her a good (read: FANTASTIC, R+, loving) home. Speaking of which: you are looking for a Great Dane aren’t you? One with cookies and creme markings, who is ridiculously sweet, and just so happens to be named Siena? š Thanks for the virtual hug, I really need it!
No you’re not crazy. You’re just awesome. With more love and compassion for the dogs you work with than anyone could ever understand.
Sometimes we get what we most need……. and need to learn on many levels. Each time a dog enters our lives. Peace for you and CLICK! for the work you do for others.
~ Lisa Waggoner
Thanks, Brad, you and Lisa are the bestest.
I love you, Waggoner’s!
I am heartbroken for you that it’s just not the right time for your Dane yet. I have been falling in love with wired hair fox terriers but am waiting until at least one of my 2 present dogs passes before adding a new dog to the family. it kills me every time I see a WHFT posted in the rescue groups & shelters nearby. I admire your hard work and dedication to training service dogs and so enjoy learning from your blog. You are my dog training hero!
Laurie,
Not crazy…just that you love your dogs…actually all dogs. W. Bruce Cameron authored a book “A Dogs Purpose”. A dogs search for his purpose over the course of several lives…written from the dog’s point of view. It’s a quick read…perhaps after you read it, your decision…whichever way you decide, will be easier to accept. Perhaps there is someone out there just waiting…
http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/11/book-review-dogs-purpose-by-w-bruce.html
Jerry S. (Cooper’s Dad)
š So sorry for all of you. She’s a beauty and seems like a real doll. How does she find a new home? You or the Service organization?
Aww that makes me sad for Siena that she’s being released and sad for you knowing you’ll have to say goodbye to another Dane. It broke my heart reading about your heartache saying goodbye to Talos (he was so cute). Just think, all these Dane’s are just practice for YOUR Dane you’ll get in the future!
Big hugs and giant Dane kisses from us!
Thanks for the reminder about “A Dog’s Purpose,” Jerry. I need to read that again.
We’re going to work together to find Siena the perfect home.
I’m happy she’s being released, as service work just wouldn’t be a good fit for her personality. But so bummed because she’ll be out of my life sooner than I wanted. Although, in the end, it’s probably better that we’re looking *now*, because that’ll be less time for me to get super-duper attached…
You are not crazy, just compassionate and real and wonderful. Those of us who don’t do what you do are in awe of your skills and ability to ride the roller-coaster of service dog life and still contribute in such a positive and meaningful way. Lucky Siena, to have had two great homes in her life; yours, and the one she will go to.
And my Rex, Ambassadog for Golden Retv’r Rescue gives you two paws up and a bark out loud for your selfless giving. He knows (even more than I) what a difference you make in the lives of others.
~jeanne & rex
Sometimes its good to be crazy. š