Toby's memory stone made with love by his raiser
Have you ever seen a guide dog or service dog in action and wondered what it takes to create such an amazing partnership?
I recently started to follow a fascinating blog called Toby's Life as a Guide Dog in Training. Toby tells us, from his own point of view, what it's like to prepare for a life of service while in the home of his raiser. A raiser is the person who cares for the pup as he grows... providing socialization, training, and plenty of love.
After many months in his raiser's home, Toby recently moved on to Guide Dog school. I must confess to shedding quite a few tears over the poignant posts as his raiser (and his fans) said good-bye.
The happy news for us is that Toby's raiser will receive a new puppy in May. Currently you can read past posts about sweet Toby, as well as look forward to soon following a new puppy-in-training.
I'd never before given much thought to the job of a raiser in preparing service dogs. Toby's blog will definitely open your eyes, and your heart, to a raiser's role in transforming an animal from puppyhood to a dog who will someday open a world of possibilities for a person in need.
