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created by Mindy
11/06/2004

 

A Puppy Raisers Good-byes

author: Cindy

In honor of Diesel, a black Labrador retriever who is
in the process of being trained as a guide dog at Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, CA.

They called and said, “Come pick him up!”
“For eighteen months, you’ll train this pup!”
So soft and cute, black and little
Who’d only come if you had kibble.

Consistent hard work, day after day
Just to prevent him from getting his way.
Every outing I took, at my left side he’d be
From school to shopping, he’d accompany me. 

For thirteen months, this puppy I raised.
To make it this far, I’m truly amazed.
I knew from the beginning, that one day we’d part
So I tried not to love him with all of my heart. 

I’ll never forget tears cried that day,
When I opened the mailbox, and read, “G.D.A.”
I was in a confusion, I felt my heart break.
It was confirmed, this was no mistake.

The litter of eleven, was to go back in May
Now suddenly changed to last Valentine’s Day.
The days were getting shorter, the weeks were passing by,
Soon would come the time, that we’d have to say goodbye.

I held him in my arms, like I did that day last year,
When he brought me joy and happiness, now I cry a silent tear.
I took him to the kennels, and said my sweet goodbyes,
And wished him luck and happiness in becoming someone’s eyes.