Guten Tag!

Guide Dogs gives puppy raisers an assortment of items, along with their new puppy. One of them is a "big" collar, which Cabana started wearing at around 5 months. It's a nice black collar with an engraved metal placard/tag that has Guide Dogs' name and phone number, as well as the dog's tattoo ID (the ID that is tattooed into the pup's ears).

In yesterday's mail, we got our official adoption papers from Guide Dogs. Along with the papers was a new replacement placard. It's a bit hard to see in the photo, but it reads, "I'm proud to be a career change dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc." Like the old tag, it also has Guide Dogs' phone number and Cabana's tattoo ID engraved on it.

I was so touched to get this placard and pleased that Cabana can continue wearing her big girl collar. I had bought her a new red collar--but I think the old black one is so much more flattering (black is my favorite color to wear).

I was also impressed by Guide Dogs' commitment to Cabana's continued well-being. The fact that they put their phone number on the new tag shows that they are willing to be contacted, should Cabana ever be lost or found. They also say in the paperwork that if, for any reason or at any time, we decide not to keep Cabana, they would be happy to find her a new home. Although I'm quite confident we won't ever need to use their placement services (even after she's been a mad dog), it's still reassuring to know Guide Dogs will still provide that kind of support.

How much cheaper and easier it would be for Guide Dogs to say, "Good riddance!" to their career changed dogs. But instead, they say, "We're still here for you." What an awesome organization!