Sarah & Leader Dog Denver giving a Civil Air Patrol safety brief
On January 11, 2017, I met my third Leader Dog, an amazing Labrador Retriever named Denver. Our meeting was a long time coming, but when I touched him for the first time, I knew that everything I’d gone through up to that point was absolutely worth it!
I still remember returning my second Leader Dog, Dream, back in 2006. Because of the way my life was at the time, I had a hard time imagining that I’d want another Leader Dog. Sending her back was the right decision for her and me at the time. I remember thinking, “I’ll just let them issue dogs to the folks who really need them. I shouldn’t use up those valuable resources.”
It’s interesting how things change over time though. Kids get older, medical issues change, and perspective changes. When I decided to apply for dog number three in 2015, I was determined to let nothing get in my way. I missed the confidence that comes with a Leader Dog, and frankly, I missed the skill. (While my husband and daughter are great guides, Leader Dogs are better!)
Although Denver and I haven’t even known each other for a month yet, I have no doubts about our bond, the perfection of our match, and the success we’ll have as a team for many years to come. Thanks to excellent breeding, and amazing puppy raiser, and skilled and caring Leader Dogs for the Blind staff and volunteers, Denver has my heart, my trust, and my confidence!