Eleventh Stop:Fresno Far Sighted Guide Dogs and Solstice

     For those of you who may not know, I had the honor of working with the Far Sighted Fresno Guide Dog Puppy group.  I was blessed to work with so many wonderful people who helped me raise an amazing puppy named Solstice.  I had her for about 15 months and she was more than I could of ever asked for.  Within those 15 months she became part of me.  She was like my daughter.  We would go to work every morning together and nearly every single job I had, she was there with me.

     Some of the amazing trips we went on included flying to San Diego a few times to visit the family.   I even got to take her on the puppy beach... So much fun.   I got to see the world through a new perspective that was of this very curious, loving, compassionate black lab puppy.     She was so much more than just a puppy in training.  She provided clients with a relief when she would walk in.  She provided an opportunity for many people to over come their fear of dogs because she would sit there with the best manners.  To children, she was "someone" who would sit next to them and help them get through some of the grueling tests they had to experience.  All she would have to do is look at you with her big ol' brown puppy eyes and you would melt.  She had a way of making everything ok.     Her going back to the school in May was one of the hardest days I have yet experienced.  I had to give my baby girl back- my partner and crime.  I can tell you that I had never cried so much in my life and I am not a huge crier in my adult years.

    Every week, though,  I look forward to Thursday because I get a report on how she is doing based on whether or not she is in the same phase or moved up to the next one.  Today I got the wonderful news that she is now in Phase 6 of 8.  Instantly I have tears of joy.  I could not be more proud and I just hope that when she makes it all the way through (which I have no doubt that she will!)  that I can be there to see her walk across the stage with her new person that she will get to work with.  I hope and pray that I can make it - because I am so proud!     

     So here is to the wonderful Far Sighted group who welcomed me as family and to Mary.  Mary was our fearless leader who has taught us all so much and has raised so many wonderful puppies and puppy raisers.  She is about to start her own new adventure and wish her nothing, but the best.   God bless you all!!

Hope you all are still buckled in and with me on this wonderful ride of life!