Returning to our Tribe

This March my Mom and Dad added to their tribe, their canine tribe. Meet Selby an (almost) 9 year old guide dog- out of The Guiding Eyes for The Blind School in Yorktown Heights New York. She was raised by my  Mom in Maine 8 years ago - prior to placement as a Guide Dog. Selby has been a guide dog for 7 years of her life. She turns 9 in April. She guided in Florida. She just retired this month and will be moving north for her retirement, to live with her raiser- my Mom- who happens to be MY RAISER TOO!

It is always bitter sweet when a Guide Dog is retired from a life of service.The departure for any dog, from their handler's life is a very challenging transition, for both human and canine, yet also opens doors of opportunity to all parties involved,

Selby, like all Guide Dogs has a love for her raisers and her bond with Mom is wonderful to witness.

Selby was picked up in Florida a couple weeks ago by my Mom and Dad and was driven north to join her new/old tribe. I was told she recognized many of her human raisers and is loving meeting the new canine members of the Scribner families. 

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Sadie welcomes Selby to her home-

Fletch, Selby, and Isla doing the entryway pose. Note Fletch being sure to use his body, not his words, to express who is Alpha in the house. 

Selby, as mentioned before has spent her life working as a Gude Dog. She is now learning how to add play back into her life and romp and tug and run. Fletch is modeling it wonderfully. But Selby still enjoys her solo moments, as seen here as she reflects on her appreciation for Nina and the new tribe.

My Mom, Nina Scribner raised Selby with the help of many volunteers and puppy raisers in the Maine region.
I know I have stacks of Selby pictures in my collection - showing mom treat training, leash training and joining socialization classes - but this message isn't about what was, but is about what is going to be.

Selby is returning to her people, her raisers, her original tribe after putting incredible effort into her career as a Guide Dog. She will live the rest of her life with my Mom and Dad and Fletch and all the lab cousins in Maine.

As a Guide Dog in Florida, Selby spent years in relationship with her handler in Florida, guiding him through daily routines and practices. She filled his life with fullness. Selby's job as a Guide Dog was her life - her identity- for many years and it filled her soul.
Her dedication as a Guide Dog was impressive.

This blog actually holds another message and that is one of....
'Selby- we are following your lead!"


The idea of returning to your tribe is what Skip and I are taking action on. As many have heard, our parents are aging in a wonderful direction -the younger side of old/older side of young  and we want to be present with them.

The Repettos

                              

The Scribners

Selby- we are returning to our raisers too - and thanks for leading the way. What a wonderful purpose to have - fill your life with meaning and career- learn to play with good folks and then- when possible - return back often to your raisers to check in on life and reconnect with your roots!

WOOF!
Oh and Jupiter, our 10 year old lab is excited to meet your tribe for the first time  and  to learn some socialization from some Maine Labs too!
See you soon!

Jupiter - 10 years young- from Wasilla, Alaska