It's Miller Time
Last night, Canine Vision Canada called us about another dog that "fits our profile" that is available for adoption. He's a one-year-old black lab named Miller. Some background: Three years ago, I put our names on a waiting list with Canine Vision Canada (CVC), a guide dog training school sponsored by the Lions Club in Oakville. Every so often, a guide dog in training is disqualified for any number of reasons which may include anything from poor health to not liking children or cars or people of colour, or general dumbness. I want one of these dogs - more than anything. Actually, in our application we specified that we would only accept a healthy dog, and one who wouldn't eat our cats. Dumb is OK. Hip displasia isn't.

Two advantages of adopting a disqualified guide dog are: the dog has received a year or two of specialized training that exceeds any other animal training in Canada, and CVC is a registered charity; money they earn from adopting out animals goes to the breeding, training, and upkeep of future guide dogs in training. Awwwww. Can't you just see them in their little vests and harnesses?

We only have a day to decide, as their waiting list is long and competitive. Last night, some well-intentioned relatives nagged us will all the reasons why this would be a bad thing to do. I was a little insulted when one of them said "You know, you have to WALK a dog."

If there are any current or former dog owners out there, I welcome your adivce. I've never had a dog. We are prepared for walking, in all weather, so don't address that. Other than the obvious, what am I in for?