Now for the BIG News
As some might remember, Alfie's scheduled evaluation date is January 2011 -- the same time as Bob, Celia, Petey, and Piper. So "goodbye" was always just around the corner. But recent events have accelerated that timeline...our family is moving out of state early next month, and so Alfie will be moving to another raiser home for his last couple of months as a puppy-in-training.
Yes, we're looking forward to our new venture for many reasons! I'm so proud of my husband Tim, who is going to be focusing on finishing grad school (the main reason behind our move). The whole family is excited that we'll be living in Springfield, MO -- near my Mom, my brother's family, a dear aunt and uncle, plus other friends! The only hard part, of course, is saying goodbyes: to family here in Texas, to our wonderful church family, to friends, to GDTx...and, yes, to one special doodle.
It's tough for me to let go of Alfie: somehow, with each successive guide dog pup I've raised, it seems that the bond has been deeper. Alfie has such an uncanny way of "reading" me, and quite a flair for 2-way communication! Aside from my emotions, however, it's also hard to turn over a "project" in which I am so invested. Maybe that's just my perfectionist/controlling streak...I'm sure that another raiser will do their best, just as I have, and Alfie will turn out fine.
The GDTx team is working on selecting Alfie's new raiser home, and I'll keep you updated! I don't yet know exactly when he'll leave. But until he does, I thought it would be fun to do a few posts on what I'll remember most about my time with Alfie. Stay tuned!
11 comments:
What a big life change for all of you.
Good luck with everything,
Oskar
Oh nO!! We're sorry to hear of an earlier departure but glad you guys are getting closer to family. I hope you aren't leaving the "raising community" for long either!
That's so awesome that you'll be closer to me (and your family)! :) But so sad you'll have to leave Alfie behind. Can you not take him with you to finish his training because it's too far away for the monthly puppy training walks (I think that's what they are called)?
I agree with Erin, hope you aren't leaving the raising community for long either!
I was not planning on this kind of news - wow, that's big!
I wish you guys all great with the move - and hope Alfie will do well with his new raiser for the couple months they have him. It's hard enough giving them up, but handing them over before the time is even up would be harder.
Keep us updated!
Rudy's Raiser
BTW, once you move - don't forget your blogger pals!
Many congratulations to Tim! We moved to CO so my husband could complete his Ph.D. -- I so admire the great effort and focus it takes and I wish you and your family all the best.
What an amazing foundation you've given Alfie -- he could not have been more loved or better prepared for the wonderful future ahead.
We'll be shedding our tears and saying our goodbyes to Ruby very soon also. It has been wonderful to share puppy raising experiences across the miles with you. :)
Thank you all so much!
Yes, I plan to keep checking in on your blogs. :-) This has been a fun online community!
I don't know whether the future will hold more puppy-raising for me or not, we'll have to see what opportunities arise! This whole experience has taught me so much and been immensely rewarding.
What the what?! I'm excited for your big move--I find change exhilarating, getting out of comfort zones, finding new adventures, people and places. But I'm sure it is stressful and sad, too. So many mixed emotions.
Ohh, Alfie is going to miss you!! But he's such a resilient fellow, and I'm sure he will be in great hands.
Yes, please keep us posted on Alfie's progress and your new digs.
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Congrats on your big move, but I will miss your updates with Alfie (one of the most adorable blogs ever!)
So sorry to hear Alfie has to stay behind with a new family, but you've definitely gotten him off to a great start for his future career. Best of luck to you all with the move, and like the others said, I hope we'll still hear from you too. *hugs*
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