That’s it. That is all the time I have left before Helaine leaves sunny California on a jet plane, except we know when she’ll be back again. Give us 18 months Elton and we can sing that song together in sadness rather than excitement.
I have had a lot of time to reflect on my past puppy raising experiences. What I did right, what I did way wrong, and what I wish I had thought to do. Being a first time puppy raiser is awesome, but being a second, or in my case a third time puppy raiser is so much better. This time though, is different. This is an entirely new school, with entirely new people and I’m no longer the seasoned vet. It’s the equivalent of my Freshman year all over again. YEESH. That’s a scary thought. I find myself questioning my abilities. If I can really do this, if my puppy will be successful, or if I will be successful. It’s really quite the daunting task if you ask me, but I am not getting cold feet in anyway. I’m just, you know…intimidated.
Puppy raising isn’t a part time thing, it’s a full time commitment. Helaine, for all intents and purposes, will be comparable to a child. (no, I’m not one of those crazy people who literally think their dogs are their children.) But, in reality they need the same dedication, patience, love and care that children require. I’ve whole-heartedly given my life to raise up this girl, but I’m still pondering the thought that I could fail her. Not only could I fail her, but I could fail myself. I could fail the school, and the people that I have built relationships with already. Now, I know that the likelihood of that happening is slim to none, but I just have a knack for running through the worst case scenario.
Puppy raising is an incredible experience and I am honored that CCI has given me this chance to raise Helaine. Though I am worried and intimidated and mildy really scared, I know that the next 16-18 months are going to be some of the best I’ve had in a long time. I need not be worried, because I know that this is exactly where God has placed me. He knows I’m ready for this new adventure, and I have no doubts that He wouldn’t have put me in this position if He didn’t think I was prepared to start this journey again. How wonderful is it, that I serve a God with such perfect timing? I could ponder that thought for days.
48 hours! The next time I post, I will have Helaine in my arms!
Endless Pawsibilities 
LOVE this post!!! You had me at the opening paragraph. CHEERS of happy times from the start with Miss Helaine!!!
Thank you for all your support! I know I’ve said this a time (or 15) but I am sooooo glad we’re going to be raising puppies together! I can’t wait for our adventures to start!
Love your post Cassie…you are definitely going to be an awesome puppy raiser…do you know why? It is not all the things that you have to remember, all the reports that you have to fill out…none of that is as important as the reason WHY you are doing it. And you are doing it for all the RIGHT reasons…giving a gift to a complete stranger…a gift that has taken 18 months of your life to create is something that only a few people will do…and thank goodness. For our graduates would never have their service dogs if we didn’t. So…now you know why you will be incredible 🙂
Thank you for those kind words, Lisa. I most certainly found myself tearing up. I am so thankful for all of the support you’ve provided for me since our very first conversation. I am also thankful that I came to the decision to raise for CCI. I have already made some amazing connections and I couldn’t ask for a better group to raise with. I look forward to many years with all of you!