Today, you came home with me. We were both so happy to finally meet. In fact, I think I bounced around your “Puppy Kindergarten” classroom more than you did. You didn’t know it, but I’ve been waiting (and praying) for you for more than a year—just so I could give you away in about the amount of time I wished for you. You see, our time together is shorter than most people get with puppies as sweet as you. You are part of something way bigger than both of us. You’re going to be someone’s hero. It’s your destiny. You were born to be someone’s eyes. Someone’s companion. Someone’s comfort; who’s seen far more evils than someone should see in many lifetimes.
But as I lay next to you on the floor, watching you sleep after your very first ‘big day’ of many, I want you to know that I am so very grateful to be part of you journey. For the next year you are my baby, my friend, and my hero. We are going to go on so many adventures together. I promise to always be proud of you and love you unconditionally, even when you are no longer mine. I will take you with me everywhere you can possibly go so you can have every opportunity to thrive in your true calling. Marty, I promise to give you every opportunity to show the world what a good boy you really are. Marty, I can’t wait to spend the next year with you.
Love,
Your Raiser Mamma
(Backstory: Marty is a Southeastern Guide Dog Puppy in Training (SEGDiT). Southeastern Guide Dogs is a institution that receives zero government funding, soley functioning on donations. This group provides guide dogs for the visually impaired, service dogs for military veterans, Gold Star family dogs, and children aid dogs to individuals in need free of charge. Marty’s name originates from a WWII veteran named “Martin” who became a paraplegic following an accident. During the last ten years of his life, Martin (aka Marty by friends), spent his time teaching soldiers to read and write once more. You can follow Marty’s journey to his destiny on instagram @s.martyyy .)