seeing potential new dog tomorrow, happy and sad at once - good luck vibes needed

[wannaBe1974]

For anyone who doesnt know, or who is interested, I have a guide dog who is on the verge of retirement. She was my first dog and I've had her for the past 9.5 years, she's 11 now and we've been talking about her retirement since the beginning of last year. I went on the waiting list for a new dog in April last year and up to now nothing has been forthcoming. Last week I had a call from a trainer in Bristol saying he has a dog which is a possible match, as matter of interest, trainers train the dogs and then about a month before the dogs complete their training they match them with potential owners, they then bring the dog to see the new owner and if it is confirmed as a match they go away and finish its training and the owner is then trained with the new dog once the dog's training is complete. So this trainer is bringing the new dog to see me tomorrow, and while I'm happy that I'll be getting a new dog, I'm also very sad because this means the end of an era with my current dog. She was my first dog and has been through everything with me, we've moved house 4 times, I commuted for a year, I had DS, and she's taken it all in her stride - she was the perfect dog. And I almost feel guilty about bringing another dog in to replace her, but on the other hand she's 11 and it's time to give something back to her for all that she's meant to me. I'm very lucky in that we're able to keep her, so at least I wasn't faced with the heartache of having to find her a new home and having to give her up, but it's still a change.
sorry this a bit of a rambled post :).

[brimfull]

Oh wannabe guide dogs are so wonderful they always bring a lump to my throat when I see them working.I really hope the two dogs get on but I guess they would have to have placid temperments wouldn't they.What breed of dog is your present one?

[arfy]

Oh I'm so glad you can keep your current dog - how lovely

[MrsMuddle]

Good luck for tomorrow.

[wannaBe1974]

my current dog is a yellow lab, and new one is a lab retriever cross.

[peachygirl]

Wannabe I'll be thinking of you and wanting to hear all about it too. Good luck!

[louise35]

Oh Wannabe I hope everything goes well for you. Your story brought a lump to my throat. I'm just so glad that you have got to keep your existing faithful friend. As a fellow dog owner I know the joy that they can bring to your life, yours even more so as your lovely dog has not just been a companion but has been a great help to you. I hope she enjoys her "retirement" and she enjoys her new relaxed life with her new doggy pal. Good luck xx

[wannaBe1974]

hello all :)

well, went for walk with lab-retriever cross this morning, he's actually quite a sweety, although it was strange to be out with a different dog - have been so used to my current dog for so long. The two dogs seemed to get along well though and just wanted to play, so definitely have no issues there with potential personality clashes. So all seems well and he will contact me later this week with potential training date. As wewere out walking we popped into nursery to introduce new dog to DS, he said hello and then promptly asked where current dog was! Think he would be distraught if I had to give her up - he keeps telling people that "when mummy gets her new dog, bonnie will be my doggy!" bless him.

[brimfull]

Oh that's lovely wannabe,what a relief that the dogs get on.Hope the training goes well.

[peachygirl]

wannabe thats great news I did think about you earlier today

[louise35]

Looks like its going to be a happy ending all round, good luck with the training :)

[arfy]

very please to hear this wannabe I love that you get to keep Bonnie