Abby and Saint

It was a sad day this week when Abby had to bid a farewell to Saint.  It was time for him to go to the Oregon Guide Dog final training school.  This is where he will learn how to be comfortable with a harness and how to understand and guide a non sighted person.  It is an amazing program and to think that Abby was involved in such an incredible journey for Saint.  When he is ready to graduate from the Guide Dog School and is assigned his or her master, Abby will be invited to the graduation ceremony and will be able to meet the person who will be Saints companion.  So, that was the sad news.  The happy news is that Abby was given permission by her parents to take another puppy to train.  She is very excited.  I'm hoping to get a picture this evening when her new black lab puppy is delivered.  Very exciting times for Abby and the Gertson family.

Picture of Abby saying "goodbye" to her constant companion for the past year.  We will all miss Saint but recognize that he will be doing an amazing service to a human being who will rely on him for their eyes.