Really heartwarming. How amazing for your first guide dog pup to be heading off to change someone's life!
Oh yes - they are completely normal out of harness! They are matched to their owner according to how tall they are and how quick their pace, but also how active they are. Some dogs (like people) are far more active than others. Gypsy's new owner will be very busy - she works afternoons, visits her Dad in a care home in the mornings and picks her youngest up from school. This will suit Gypsy down to the ground. Gypsy dislikes cars so she was deliberately matched with someone who doesn't use cars at all. For free runs the dogs wear bells so that the owner can hear where they are. When I went for a walk with 6 guide dogs and owners it was amazing - they all knew which their dog was from the sound of their bells! They either use their white cane, go with a family member or friend or a sighted guide takes them. I am training as a sighted guide so that I can do just that It will be easy to take my two with a GDO and GD.
We have just had the official letter from Guide Dogs - "I am sure you will be very pleased to hear that Gypsy has now qualified as a working guide dog and is working with a lady in Bradford." Pleased, proud and thrilled! I think about them every day and we have fingers and paws crossed that she will get in touch .
Ah Mags my eyes have just filled up with pride,and I only know her through the Forum!You must be bursting with pride,I'm so happy for you,very well done for the part you and your family played in her success and thanks for sharing all of it with us x gorgeous photo x
Oh Mags that is simply fantastic news. You must be so pleased and proud of your girl. Apologies for any bad spelling but my keyboard for some reason is a bit blurry. Thank you so much for sharing Gypsy's training and progress with us and all those lovely photos xx
We saw her working with her trainer just before she met her new owner. Here is a short video of that special day - http://vid1106.photobucket.com/album...ng%20Gypsy.mp4 The letter from GDs says "Your contact details have been passed on to the guide dog owner who has been encouraged to get in touch with you. We however cannot enforce this contact and therefore cannot guarantee that they will do so. But please call the office any time and we will be able to update you on Gypsy's progress and wellbeing." .
Many congratulations Mags for a brilliant job and wow Gypsy well done lovely girl you will now change someones life around. Very teary here xxx
What an amazing achievement for you Mags, such an unselfish and worthwhile thing to do. And we have all so enjoyed your updates here too.
Well done Gypsy! It all started with you, Mags. You have every right to be feeling very, very proud of your girl.
That is fabulous. Can't imagine how proud you feel. Just being an observer on the forum, where I have loved every one of your updates and photos, I feel so very proud of the pair of you, as well as OH and Tatze of course! I do hope they keep in touch
