Most of my older followers will remember Toby, the third dog I raised for SEGDI (he went back in April 2010). I've been getting monthly report cards from the school about him. But when it got to October - I received nothing, asking my Area Coordinator, she said when they have time - they send them. But I remember always receiving them on (close to) the same day each month. I'm told "No News is Good News" but in this case.... No News is bad news...
I got a call from my Area Coordinator today - telling me she heard from the school.
I'm crossing my fingers; wishing for good news... then I hear her say
"Toby has been career changed". Yes he's out - he'll never be a guide dog.
I'm told he was let go do to severe allergy issues. BUT he isn't out of the program completely (which means he isn't just being adopted out as a pet). Toby does still have a slight chance to become a gifted canine. Though he can't become a working guide dog, the school did really like him and have decided to evaluate him for a different line of work. (could be with a veteran - or as any kind of service dog).
I wish Toby the best of luck with his evaluations, and hope he blows the people away with amazement.
I'm so sad to hear he didn't make it as a guide, knowing all those hours, days, months, I had him raising him up to be the best guide dog I could didn't work out. But knowing he does still have a slight chance of working makes me happy.
We all know, that if he doesn't make it in this program - he will get adopted out (which I did tell my area coordinator I can't adopt him, though I'd love to - we don't have the room). But even adopted out as a house pet, Toby can always change peoples lives. Just cuddling up with a family who needs a pet is helpful.
For those who have no idea what I just said up there - he's a review :)
1. Toby was just "put out" of the guide dog program due to severe allergies
2. Toby isn't being adopted out yet, as the school does really like him - and hopes he has a chance with a different career (the gifted canine program)
3. Toby will undergo some different evaluation tests, to find out if he is capable of doing a new task
4. Over the next 2-4 weeks I should be hearing some more news (I hope for good news!)
Thanks so much for following our blog, Rudy will be posting before he heads off to his puppy sitter tomorrow (as we will be heading to a dairy goat show). Just thought I'd update you on Toby,
Toby's & Rudy's Raiser
The human that has a dog with a blog
