Enjoy guest blogger Linda Pelfrey’s story as she shares her journey on getting her new guide dog named Zephyr.
Shari
There is a new pup in the office. His name is Zephyr. He is a Lab/Golden cross weighing in at 68 lbs. He is 18 months old and has lots of puppy in him.
He is also a highly trained dog guide. I received from The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey.
Zephyr was born at the breeding center, and then fostered by a family who taught him basic obedience and house manners. He was exposed to all sorts of social experiences to prepare him for his career as a guide for a blind/visually impaired handler.
While Zephyr was studying for his new job, I was preparing to retire my beloved guide of 8 years. I found an incredibly loving home for Abby. She received the adoptive family she earned through her tireless work as my guide and friend. It is possible to feel more than one emotion at a time. I was happy to see how loved Abby was, and yet I missed her terribly.
I experienced competing feelings about obtaining another guide. I am not young, and I knew the social barriers we would face as a team. I received my first dog over 40 years ago. Zephyr represents my 9th partnership. Family and friends encouraged me and nearly pushed me onto the plane that would take me to a new chapter in my life with Seeing Eye pups.
I boarded the plane with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I have health issues that I feared might make training difficult. Finally, what we call “dog day” arrived. I sat in my room awaiting my trainer who would introduce me to my new partner.
As I sat with an empty leash in my hand, a wave of unexpected grief hit me hard. I believed I had made peace with Abby’s retirement, so this sadness came as a surprise. Memories of the 8 years Abby and I spent together flooded my heart. I sat quietly and didn’t fight the thoughts about a partnership I will treasure forever. Suddenly, my contemplation was interrupted by a sharp knock. When I opened the door to my instructor, a big bouncing silly pup bounded into the room. I was told his name, and a little about him. Then, I was left alone to manage this goofy pup who did not know that both of our lives were going to be transformed.
Then the grueling work began for both of us. I was in training for a little over 2 weeks, and there is so much to learn in a short time. Even experienced handlers must learn how to work with a dog who is not like their previous match.
We walked 2 routes a day for the first week. Later, we rode a bus and a train, went to stores, and hit the streets of New York City. Zephyr is young with lots of energy. He is also a confident and intelligent worker.
We are home now, and the hard work continues. Working with a new guide is like learning to dance with a new partner. We make mistakes. Some are his, and others are mine. One interpretation of the name “Zephyr is gentle wind. Perhaps someday he will grow into the meaning of his name. For now, he is a young energetic happy pup. Out of his harness, he loves his toys, and sometimes plays just a little too roughly. In harness, he is regal and focused. I still miss Abby. She has her place in my heart.
And… despite my anxieties, my soul has opened to yet another amazing partnership. We have work ahead of us, but we have joy, laughter and independence coming our way.
Linda, what a pleasure it was to read about Zephyr! I’m looking forward to the day I get to meet him as a goofy pup, but until then, I’m glad to see your budding partnership. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for reading about the big goof. In harness, he is focussed. Out of his work uniform, he is a wild one.
Hi Linda,
Your blog post and updates are interesting and wonderful!
Congrats and good luck with your new Zephyr!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful, special journey you are on. You should write a book.
Kim, so good to hear from you. I can’t believe Zeph and I have only been home a month. He makes me laugh every day.
Oh Linda, I’m so happy for you both! Abby is a dear and Zephyr sounds like a sweetheart, too. Can’t wait for all your new adventures. And yes, these canine companions work their ways into our hearts permanently.
I miss Abby very much. I know she is on a new part of her journey.I believe Abby prepared me for Z.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I can see all the things you mentioned when you two are walking around. He is so precious and I cant wait to watch you two grow together.
He is so funny and endearing. At the same time, I see himthinking through situations and doing his best to keep us safe. Sometimes, he has what I call “Zephur moments.” Our brains work kind of the same. lol
Linda, thank you for sharing your experience of what is like to retire one partner and accept a new one in such a small space of time. Best wishes to the many adventures you will have with Zephyr.
Beautiful story and I know Linda that the two of you will an awesome team.
Linda,
We are so happy to have Zephyr join the Pelfrey Pack. Jim and I are excited to see his bond with you deepening and your partnership growing. Especially, we love that he is his own original self…. So much fun and oh, so sweet. May you enjoy many happy years as a team. He is showing a desire to guide and to do it well for you. I recognize a devotion to you in his eyes and it warms my heart.
Hello Linda,
Thank you for sharing your experience as a new guide dog owner. Zephyr is so blessed to have you. I know both of you will enjoy this new journey. I had the pleasure of seeing Abby here at Goodwill and I miss seeing her walk through the halls of the building. I know she has a great adoptive family and is having fun in retirement.
May you enjoy the days ahead as you and Zephyr grow in love and companionship.
Oh dear Linda. I have been waiting anxiously for this news. Both of you are so courageous and I know this will bring you to new rhythms of life. I have every confidence that you and Zephyr will warm our whole world. Looking forward to meeting both of you someday.