Wait: (1) to remain stationary in readiness or expectation; (2) to look forward expectantly; (3) to be ready and available
As a Volunteer Puppy Raiser, the term “wait” is all too familiar. Many of us are not very good at waiting but it is something all of us must endure.
The wait all begins once you’ve made the decision that, yes, I am going to volunteer as a Puppy Raiser. Once you’ve said “yes”, you must now wait for a puppy to be assigned. This period may take months to a year.
But then the call comes… You’ve been assigned a puppy! The next wait period begins. Once you learn that you will be receiving a puppy to raise, it will usually be several weeks before that puppy arrives. The last few years’ uncertainties have made this waiting period difficult for some. There has been uncertainty with flights and schedules, therefore many do not receive any information concerning the puppy they will receive. No information is given until final arrangements are made, and the puppy is on its way. This period could often be compared to an expectant mother.
Finally, the wait is over. Your Future Service Dog has arrived! You’ve endured the first long wait and it is now time to enjoy the experience.
But don’t get too comfortable, because a new wait is about to hit you. After about a year of raising, training, and socializing your Future Service Dog, you realize that Matriculation Day is approaching all too quickly. The day you must hand over the leash and leave your friend at Professional Training draws near. This is a time of unpleasant waiting. You are not looking forward in expectation, but instead apprehension and sadness. It can’t be time to say goodbye.
You survive and you endure. Deep down you know that with your sadness will come great happiness for someone else. The new wait has begun. You wait for those cherished monthly Professional Training reports to find out what your Future Service Dog is learning and how they are handling being away at “puppy college”. You see the progress they are making and are so proud to hear about all the things they are learning.
Your Future Service Dog has now been in Professional Training for about 6 months. You have waited for the day you receive a call that your puppy has made it… They will be entering Team Training to, hopefully, make their match with a graduate. Team Training lasts 2 weeks. This is a long 2 weeks when you have to wait, again. Who will be their match?
A match has been made! Your little puppy has grown up and is now a Service Dog graduate. All of that waiting, every phase, was well worth every second.
And, you know what? It’s time to do it all over again!
For more information on how to become a Volunteer Puppy Raiser, visit canine.org.
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- Puppies in Prison?
- Canine Companions for Independence Depends on Business Sponsors
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own. I was not compensated for this post.
