How can I not give her up?
| It is not an ordinary Sunday class. The apprentice trainer class has covered the proper way to inspect teeth and approach a new dog. The dogs are working on the "dog walk" to build confidence and control. Some of the apprentices have broken off in to small groups to work with puppies, beginners, and individual dogs. As we are finishing up the second class, one of the new class participants asks about Sandy. As I tell them about her imminent release to Collin I am asked the question that I've been asked uncountable times in the past year. "How can you give her up?" |
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How can I? I can academically and rationally speak of having made a commitment before I took on the task. I can joke about how she has eaten her way through my pantry. I can smile and shrug my shoulders. How can I give her up? |
| While I'm finishing the class, Collin's family drives into the parking area. They get out of their vehicle and begin to walk to where we are standing. From about thirty yards away Sandy notices Collin and his family. Her ears prick forward, she stands on her toes, she begins to vibrate, and her tail beats the air. When they are within a few feet Sandy begins a dance that can only be translated as "There is my family." She wiggles around Collin's father who is holding Collin. She figure eights around Collin's mother, and I'm at the end of the leash. Finally when Sandy settles down, Collin is placed on the ground and he tells Sandy to sit. She does. |
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We perform a little leash passing ceremony. Teri, Sandy's puppy raiser is there to share in the moment. She holds Sandy's leash as I pass over Sandy's records and some of her toys for transition. We then present Collin with a certificate that states that Sandy has chosen him to be her boy. Collin takes the leash and Cat double leashes Sandy to show Collin's parents how they should let Collin walk Sandy. Shortly after that Sandy leads her new family to their car, hops into her new crate and begins her life with her "forever family." |
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How can I not give her up? |
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Update December 13, 2003: We are devastated to learn today that Collin has lost his battle with cancer. He passed away at home on October 26, 2003. Before succumbing to the disease, he was able to celebrate his sixth birthday, begin kindergarten, and greet the arrival of his new baby brother, Josh. Collin's family has struggled with the decision to return Sandy to DreamWorkers, Inc. With the arrival of Josh and the need to rebuild their lives, they have decided to return Sandy to DreamWorkers. Sandy is now living with her trainer, and this is her forever home. She will join the pack that includes Sasha, the therapy dog; Tigger, the "fun police"; and Blanche, a foster dog with too many "issue" to be adopted out at this time. After some period to mourn her loss and then re-bond with her forever family, Sandy will begin retraining as a therapy dog and then help Sasha with the job of visiting schools and nursing facilities.