Walking to Guide Dog school, I spied our Golden Labrador, Alissa, a mile away.
She was sprawled out on her back, her paws up in the air as she lay fast asleep, relaxing after a busy day of training.
When he finally stirred and saw us, his tail wagged furiously as he bounded past. My heart swelled with warmth and affection.
Greetings like that never get old and I feel lucky that we decided to be fosters to guide our dogs in training.
Because even the day that Alissa left came, in a short time, she filled the house with unique joy and friendship.
It’s strange to think that, back in the day, I never really liked dogs.
Growing up, I always had a cat. I’m actually scared of dogs – I’ve never been around them so I don’t know how they act.
But then I met Adam. Unlike me, he always loved dogs because his father, who is blind, always had a working guide dog – also retired.
These four-legged creatures were Adam’s best friends growing up. He gave me friendship, loyalty and many precious memories.
In the early days of our relationship, I loved watching his face light up as he shared stories about his childhood pooches.
Around the dog, Adam’s joy is always visible. He seemed happier and more comfortable. It seems, for him, anywhere is home if there is a dog.
But it also made me realize how much he missed having dogs around. I know how happy having a dog would make Adam, and I felt like the fear of dogs was somewhat irrational so I was willing to try and overcome it.
However, we work 9-5 jobs – Adam works in real estate, so he travels a lot and I work as a corporate person in the office. We don’t often come home during the day, so, for years, I’ve explained that it’s impossible to have our own dog.
Then, at the end of 2020, I discovered that Guide Dogs were looking for volunteer fosters for dogs in Bristol.
Responsibilities, if we continue, include: providing a home for the dog during advanced training, dropping off and picking up from the training center Monday-Friday, and ensuring they have a relaxing environment after a busy day.
We will also take them on fun outings and activities on weekends when the dogs are home full-time.
In essence, this is the ideal way to have a dog in our lives without the full-time commitment associated with ownership. In addition, Guide Dogs will be there to support us throughout the process and help with training and welfare techniques.
They will even provide us with the food and supplies we need, as long as we reinforce whatever training we do while at home.
It seemed perfect for our situation and, not wanting to waste time, we jumped right in.
We filled in the application, had an online interview and a home visit. We then went through training to prepare us for our first dog.
During this process, we learned that, like us, 36% of people hesitate to own a dog with the most common reasons being financial constraints and future family plans. However, the fostering scheme in place eliminates these problems.
We welcomed our first dog in March 2021 – a golden Labrador/Retriever named Dawson.
He came to us a bit unsettled, but in a few days it was arranged for us home.
In fact, Dawson is actually house trained and well behaved, so worry about accidentally teaching him bad habits!
The love for cuddles quickly won me over, converted me into a full-fledged dog person and I soon could not imagine going home without him there.
Dawson quickly befriends Adam’s dad, Fabian, a working guide dog, so we get to go for walks in the woods with them where they play and chase each other. We even took them on vacation together!
Dawson learned a lot in training, but we saw how much he grew and matured when he was with us. Of course, as fosterers of guide dogs, it means that we have to say goodbye eventually and the first one is especially hard.
It’s really hard to say well, especially as it’s the first time and we’ve had people for a full six months. There is a real hole in the house, and it just makes us desperate for another furry friend around.
But we have stayed in touch and seen people since, which has been very good and goodbye has gotten easier.
Three months later, Mary the German Shepherd joined. He is a completely different dog – he has more character and independence. It’s a lot of fun having Maria at home, she enjoys being outside a lot and will entertain herself in the evening by throwing her own toys in the air and chasing them!
So far, we have raised eight – and they are all different.
Like Dawson, Alissa is sweet and gentle, with a calm disposition. They love to see animals on TV and will stop whatever they are doing and watch them carefully.
And while it never gets easier to separate from the dog we care for, with each subsequent one we have found comfort in knowing that they are moving on to do good for others.
Knowing that we have played a small part in the tremendous positive impact, these dogs will also be upset when they leave. In fact, it makes everything hugely rewarding.
Adam and I look forward to having a family one day, but now have and training guide dogs to love and have new adventures with really wonderful.
We never discovered that anything was missing, but the dog brought us new experiences and challenges that we would never have experienced.
We plan to foster for as long as we can, and if our situation ever allows for it we will be happy to try our hand at raising puppies for Guide Dogs, too.
Yes, saying goodbye is hard, but the memories will live on forever.
Do you have a story you want to share? Email jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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