Joanna's graduation letters to Vienna and to her new partner.

“Dear Vienna,

            Look what you’ve accomplished!  I remember when I picked you up on that hot summer day almost two years ago. You were a tiny baby who needed a lot of reassuring.  Yet, you were by far the sweetest puppy I ever came across.  After only a few days, I knew that you wouldn’t be just a normal puppy in training! 

            As the months passed by, I watched you grow from a little puppy that didn’t even know sit, to a beautiful dog that was winning every obedience contest at puppy meetings.  You strived for perfection, and that’s what you always achieved.  We were best friends: I was always there for you, and you were always there for me.

            So, it shouldn’t have come as a big shock when I had a hard time saying goodbye to you. November 6^th of last year, I said my final goodbye.  You had such a great time in the kennel, I knew you would be just fine.

            Great report after great report came flooding in.  You were doing amazingly well. 

            Class was approaching…the April class, the one you could graduate in.  I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted you to graduate so badly, but I knew that your trainer wanted to find you the best Mommy or Daddy, so they’d take their time.

            Finally, I got the call every puppy raiser wants from the instant they pick up their puppies for the first time.  You were matched!  Louise quickly described the team that you and Laurie made, and I knew that it was perfect.

            So, as I say goodbye to you once again, I want you to leave knowing that you have made me the happiest puppy raiser alive!  You did everything you set out to do and more. Take good care of Laurie, and I promise he’ll take good care of you.  I’ll never forget you, and I love you very much.” 

Next is my letter to Laurie. 

“Dear Laurie,

            You, as I’m sure you know, have quite the girl on your hands.  You have little- miss perfect, the dog that is willing to do anything for you.  You have one of the sweetest dogs as well, if I may so myself. 

            Vienna was such a joy to train. She was super easy; she seemed to come to me knowing everything she already needed to know.  I had a wonderful 15 months with her, and I hope you have an amazing number of years with her. 

            You are very lucky. You get to take that sparkling dog and claim her as your own.  I always wanted her to be mine, but I knew from the very beginning, that she would never be mine. I knew she would go to someone else and make them happier than she could ever make me. 

            As I watch the two of you together today, I see the joy in both of your faces. You know Vienna is yours, and Vienna knows that you are hers.  She will take so much pride in calling you her Daddy.  And I hope that you will take just as much pride in calling her your baby.  Take good care of her.”