Friday, January 25, 2013

Change of Plans: A Homecoming Surprise

While Vinson had become quite proficient at guide work, his distraction level remained an issue. As a final test of his ball-distraction issues, Vinson accompanied a trainer to a basketball game. Regular readers of this blog know that basketballs were a particular obsession of Vinson's; and apparently that hasn't changed. Vinson's extreme excitement at the game made it clear that he would officially be changing careers.

It should be noted that, despite scientific breeding, focused puppy raising and world-class training, not every dog can succeed as a guide. It is a difficult job that requires complete attention to ensure the safety of the team.

Hearing the news, my initial feeling was a bit of sadness, knowing that Vinson would not be moving on to the match, but that was followed quickly by the excitement of realizing that Vinson would be rejoining our family!



Last night, Sarah and I were reunited with Vinson and took him home, along with Watson and the second puppy we are currently raising for The Seeing Eye. As you'll see from the video, Vinson remembered us for sure. At home, Vinson settled in very quickly - almost as if he'd never left.

The notice and adoption happened so quickly that we're still reminding ourselves that Vinson is now a forever dog in our family. A coworker put it quite poignantly: Vinson's job was to spread the word about The Seeing Eye and share the story of volunteering as a puppy raiser. In that job, he was a champion. Now he's moving on to a new job - being a beloved family member.

So many have helped Sarah and I along the way, from puppy-sitting to calm counseling. We thank them one and all. And to all of the readers who shared this experience with us - some 80,000 - thank you.

This project is now coming to a close. We set out to share a genuine look at our experience and I think we've succeeded at that. I hope you found yourself laughing, smiling or even crying along with us at times. From Sarah, myself and the whole crew of animals in our home, we wish you all the best!

- Ryan

8 comments:

  1. I'm so happy to see you all reunited!

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    1. Thank you! We were truly surprised, a bit sad at first, and are now overjoyed!

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  2. I got a chuckle out of that last picture. It didn't take long for Vinson to be allowed on the furniture now that he is officially a member of your family! Thank you so much for writing this blog. I have enjoyed every post. Being a past puppy raiser myself (now retired, though there are those to tell me I will change my mind), I know the mixed feelings that come with both the success and the failure of a Seeing Eye puppy. I have one at home with me who is the joy of my life and who brightens the day of the children in school when we visit them as a reader dog team. Enjoy Vinson, Watson and your knew Seeing Eye puppy. I will miss this blog.

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    1. Thanks for the wonderful comment. Yep, now that Vinson is out of the program, we found his perch on the sofa an appropriate celebration of his arrival as our forever friend! When he was a tiny puppy, Sarah would sit on the kitchen floor in the morning and he'd cuddle up in her lap before we headed off to The Seeing Eye for the work day. It is incredible to have him home.

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  3. oh Ryan you dont know how welcome your stories about Vinson were . . it made me feel so reassured that we were not alone in some of our trials and joys of puppy raising. Even though I have raised many pups I recognized, enjoyed and dispaired right along with you in your raising a pup for SE

    thank you for sharing with us

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  4. Welcome home, Vinson! We know how bittersweet it is to get a puppy back after trainging, but it's clearly in everyone's best interests. We can't imagine our lives without our "career change" dog. Thanks for the wonderful blog: we laughed over Vinson's antics, and could relate to so much of what you all went through. Enjoy having Vinson back home!

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  5. Ryan - We have two Career change black labs adopted from TSE - They bring us great joy daily! While it's bittersweet that Vinson didn't end up guiding, your blog informed and reminded us all of the dedication and effort being a puppy raiser entails. And what wonderful laughs we all got! Thanks for sharing - May you, Sarah and Watson enjoy a long and happy life with Vinson! and may The Seeing Eye and it's incredible mission flourish. Good luck with your new puppy!

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  6. And how about Watson? Will you be blogging about him, too? Hope so -- I enjoy reading your posts!

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