My Eighth Good-Bye
By Christy Crespin
My eighth guide, a spunky, lively, apricot-colored Labradoodle bounced into my life in November 2009. I had met her prior to this when the Guide Dogs of the Desert trainer allowed me to "test" her out. There was another male Labrador Retriever in line to "test", but I said "yes" to Caroline.
Due to work responsibilities, I trained in my home and work setting, at Guide Dogs of the Desert, in Redlands, Pasadena, and at the Palm Springs airport. We worked well together, and finally, after our allotted hours, we "graduated" and went on our merry way.
Caroline and I traveled to Guide Dogs of the Desert with my husband and daughter so we could "walk" during the "graduation ceremony." Caroline's sponsor was there, along with her puppy raiser. During lunch I asked, "So what was the worst thing Caroline ever did?" Her puppy raiser replied, "She ate the door jam when I left her alone at home." Thankfully, she never did that with me. In fact, I started out with the crate as suggested, but found it was not necessary. Caroline liked sleeping under my desk at work and home, probably as a result of "crate training."
Caroline and I grew in our ability to travel together. We bonded very strongly. Caroline loved the adult children and grandchildren. Ten years passed quickly by.
In November 2019 Caroline began to act a bit out of character. She snapped at dogs and made it known she did not want to be around other dogs. She had difficulty pushing to relieve. She seemed reticent about leaving with me for work in the mornings.
In reporting these behaviors to the vet, he suggested she be x-rayed. Results showed pinched nerves near the tail. She went on immediate retirement and began a regimen of pain medication and joint support.
I thought she was going to two different families, but neither worked out. I approached the school and suggested someone contact her puppy raiser. Caroline met her puppy raiser on January 28, 2020 and immediately recognized her. She left with her puppy raiser and also recognized the home in which she was raised.
While it is bitter-sweet, I feel at peace and know that my eighth good-bye has allowed Caroline a good retirement with someone she had bonded with and who knows Caroline and her needs. Her current/former "mom" understands the structure and responsibility of guide dog work, and also understands what it means for enabling happiness in retirement.
Both families have great love and respect for Caroline. This is why I can say "my eighth good-bye."
