Manhattan Beach guide dogs in the news

I heard from my good friend Pat Whitehead the other day. We're friends now, but I met her on a story a few years ago. Pat raises guide dog puppies before sending them off to college. I've lost track of how many pups she's helped steer to helpful careers, but it's more than 20.

The dog I wrote about is named Tola, who lives in Canada and was recently participated in an Olympic torch relay.

You can read more about Tola and Pat by going here. I spent more than a year hanging out with them and even got to meet Tola's new owner. They're nice stories and not because I wrote them (well that too). They're nice because people like Pat and her fellow dog raisers make such a big difference in people's lives.

Anyway, like I said, I heard from Pat the other day and she's ready to send yet another dog off to guide school. Here's what she wrote. And at the bottom is a a picture of the beautiful dog.

Good morning,

Well, the time has come again to send another exceptional pup off to college.  The Puppy Truck comes on Saturday.  Alisa is ready for her continuing education.  She is a great little girl with a sweet face and lovely disposition.  This is the first dog my husband has spent so much time with because he is now retired.  He is already thinking of how he will miss her; however, we both know she has a greater purpose.  It is like the butterfly that must free itself from the coccoon to realize its destiny.  Yes, it is like sending your kids off to college.  Alisa loves to go places, learn new things, enjoys meeting new people, is good with children, has excellent house manners - except being a bit lively with her greeting of her special friends, has been great at teaching our new L. A. Southwest pups how to play tug, etc.... all those attributes that speak of a successful future no matter what her carreer may be.  As I do, I have put my heart into making sure she is ready.  The most important thing for her future is that she felt loved and part of our lives and built on that foundation.  Will there be tears?  Of course, whether within or without.  Goodbyes with loved ones are always emotional.  I will look forward to my weekly reports once she completes her physical exams.  It will be like camp for her.  She will have a roommate and lots of people to give her food rewards for doing all those things she knows and will learn.  (Yes, GDB is using food rewards now for alot of their training.)  I'll stop.  I wanted to let you know.  :)

Hope all is well with you. The group says hi.  :)

Pat