But how can you give her up?
It's a vexing question that we puppy-raisers hear frequently on our outings.
Just about every time we go out in public with a Seeing Eye pup, someone asks (and often in an accusatory tone), "But how can you give her up?" The implication is that if we really loved our pup, we would not be able to part with her as she returns to the Seeing Eye for training.
Yes, it is extremely hard to give up a pup even though we know from the start that she is not our own dog, but one we are raising for the Seeing Eye. Here's an explanation, far better than any I could give on this blog.
Let me introduce you to Mariea, a woman who lives and works in North Carolina. Right now, she is training with her fourth guide dog at the Seeing Eye. She is keeping a detailed running journal on her blog My Fourth Guide Dog. I can claim a "family" tie of sorts: Her previous dog, Venita, who developed a fear of riding on mass transit, is Sparkle's aunt. She was a littermate to Sparkle's mom, Velma, whom we raised. Velma and Venita subsequently attended some of the puppy meetings together, where they greatly enjoyed each other's company. I wish Mariea the greatest success with her new dog, Valiant! (He has already saved her from a reckless driver who blew a stoplight while they were trying to cross the street.)
Here is Mariea's blog introduction: