Thank you

I recall when I received my first guide, Pantera. I was so excited to meet her puppy raisers. Such a blessing to not only have my wonderful new guide but also her puppy raisers that became our dear friends. We have travelled together, stayed at each other's homes, and I even had the wonderful opportunity to be her matron of honor and Pantera her dog of honor for her wedding!  Another special highlight was to go back and visit their hometown where Pantera was raised.  We loved hearing the funny stories of her as a puppy and even visiting the window ledge that she leaned on as a puppy and looked out the window just as she did at our home.  Thank you, Kelloggs.  When Pantera retired, this was a milestone we shared together.  When she died, we shared it together even though they were on the other side of the world in Australia.  We laughed and cried about our sweet Pantera.  

Becky, Meg and Pantera at Meg's wedding

Now, it is Cricket's turn.  We have loved getting to know her raiser's family.  Thank you to this wonderful family for their love and devotion in raising this sweet guide.   When I knew Cricket was near retiring, I reached out to them so they could be one of the first to know.  This was a milestone we would share together.  I am so grateful for their friendship and also this beautiful dog that they raised.  The pictures of her sweetness as a puppy are the same sweet Cricket as an older dog.  I look forward to further visits and time together!  Thank you, Scott and Kim!! Love you guys.   

Becky, Cricket, and Scott - Cricket's raiser

Thank you.  I am inspired each day by the amazing puppy raisers - both the ones that have raised my guides and personally touched my lives and all those that I have not had the opportunity to meet.

As I am anticipating  transitioning to my next guide dog, there is another amazing puppy raiser that has given this incredible gift of love and such incredible service and sacrifice.  Their puppy has returned to Guide Dogs for the Blind for the next phases of training to be my next guide!  Pretty incredible.  Thank you.