Red

Here is Red Puppy, the very first time we met.

It was really, really hot in the loafing shed in August 2008 and it was time to select from seven puppies which one, exactly, might have the makings for a service dog. Purple?  Green? Orange?  Blue?  Red, again?  Maybe?  Ugh. Numbers, numbers, numbers, adding, calculating, how do you know?  Yellow?  

Red was the final decision.  We clipped some hair behind his right shoulder, determined to return in two weeks to start his care as a Paws & Effect service dog.  

Here is "Red" tonight, at his Bon Voyage Party. Tag (his full name is Partager, meaning "to share" in French), has definitely fulfilled his role. He will be sorely missed, but his training must continue in other hands, for now.

Service dogs are created.  They are encouraged, shaped, loved and molded until they are ready to place, permanently, in the care of somebody whose needs can be addressed by fostering the unique relationship.

Thank you so much for the contributions you are making, N.