“A Sweet Reunion”

Watch this sweet video below of the reunion of Nico the puppy and Deb, his puppy-raising mom. Some of you may remember a waggleview® (dog owner interview) with Deb O’Brien, a puppy raiser for Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. She shared her thoughts on being a puppy raiser and how hard it is to give up her puppy. After Deb raised Nico for 16 months, she returned her to Fidelco where Nico continued professional training to learn the job skills she would need for being placed with a client. Well, here are some pictures of her puppy doing her final walks before being matched to a client.

Q: How did you think Nico was going to react when she saw you? Were you concerned that she wouldn’t remember you?

The reunion with Nico was great. It had been 8 months since we dropped her off for her training. I knew she would remember us. I was very surprised at the level of excitement. I never expected it to be overwhelming. It is very clear that they have a bond and do remember. The amazing thing was that after our reunion and goodbye again she looked back once while walking away and then went right back to walking with the trainer. The lesson for me in this experience is how amazing it is that they don’t forget but live in the moment. I really wish I could remember connections but not stay focused on missing someone. Absolutely incredible.

From here she will be matched with a client. Someone who is best paired with her work style. We get an update 4 to 6 months after they are placed telling us a general area they live in, type of person, and lifestyle. City country active relaxed etc. I will be eagerly awaiting that update.

Here’s the video!

Here’s the wonderful sweet video of Deb and her puppy seeing each other again after being separated for eight months.

And now Nico will go off to work with a client and Deb will probably never see her again.

Seeing this bittersweet reunion reinforces that those early years of a pups life are so important in bonding with someone who loves with all their heart. Thanks to Deb and other puppy-raisers who love and care so deeply in order to make a difference in someone’s life.

To read the original waggleview with Deb and to read how she deals with giving up her Fidelio puppy click here. You will learn more about her current dogs and what it takes to be a puppy raiser.

Thank you Deb for sharing this wonderful reunion story with us!

Would you like to be a puppy raiser? How would you deal with having to return the puppy?

For the latest waggleview® click here.