Real Feels
Ashley Putman
Veterinarian ? Scientist ? Compassionate Leader and Educator ? Puppy Raiser ? Outdoor Enthusiast
I'll be honest with you all, it took me a while to find the right words for this one. Atlas's drop-off date at Leader Dog University is scheduled in July. That means my time with him is 3/4 of the way through, and it's hard not to feel a little somber as that date approaches. It's not that I am not filled with excitement to see who he is going to become. He has important things to do, after all. But I start to feel a little pang of sadness every time I think of his impending absence and not having him by my side every day.?
At this point, we are refining all the skills we have learned through this journey. His cues are rock solid and he has had a lot of exposure to different environments. We are still working on greeting people politely and settling while out and about. Spring sports and festivals are in full swing, and we occupy as many of them as we are able. He thinks this is great fun.?
In the months I have worked with him, I have known Atlas to be confident, if not fearless; friendly; and a tad bit mischievous. He loves going out in public with me to stores, malls, and events. He also loves sitting outside at home to watch the world go by. Atlas enjoys hanging out with his friends at work in what I call the 'Boys' Club.' Peanut butter is the greatest part of his life. I consider all these traits plus so much more and know that he will do something fantastic in the future, whatever it may be.
Is this how parents feel when their child graduates high school and goes to college? I imagine it is.
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But for every twitch of sadness I may feel when I think about my life without him, I feel infinitely more joy for his next person, the one who really needs him. Perhaps a person who has waited several years, maybe their whole life, to have a dog just like him. One who can help them gain independence and so much more.
So, if you got to the end of this post and wondered if I will do it all again, I absolutely will. Puppy raising is well worth the little bit of sadness that comes with it. In fact, I mostly just feel grateful that I have something so wonderful to miss.
Until next time,
Ashley and FLD Atlas
Veterinary Recruiter | Animal Enthusiast ??
10 个月I did not need that cry at 3:30pm on a Friday, but it was a great read. I bet fostering gives a similar feeling (I can only guess because I would foster fail 100% of the time).