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I have told you before about Denny, the world’s 16th greatest guide dog. Well, Denny was with me for over ten years but the day finally came for him to retire. I won’t go into the details but Denny’s health had gotten to the point where being a guide dog was no longer possible.
Yes, it was very sad. He was unable to work anymore but his heart was still very much up to doing what he had done for over a decade. On his last day, he came to have his harness put on and so wanted to go with me again. It was not to happen but his spirit was ever willing.
Now I have Oliver. He is a twenty month old black lab and is eager to be my guide dog. We spent two weeks training together at Pilot Dogs after his six months of guide dog training. The two weeks were for the two of us to begin to bond and get used to working together. Oliver is home now and learning about his new environment and responsibilities. So far, things are going quite well.
To remember Denny and the five other Pilot dogs that came before Oliver, I am re-posting a podcast about my first six Pilot dogs. It will be a while before I am ready to update the podcast to include Oliver but his day in that spotlight is out there on the far horizon. He is Pilot dog seven for me and I expect we will have as satisfying a journey as with each of his six predecessors.
For now, join me in remembering Dr. Pepper, Fellow, Blacky, Ben, Quincy, and Professor Denny. Oliver has big paws to follow but is, I am sure, totally up to the challenge.