Should I worry?

[urbanlime]

Thanks for all the advice about my lab/pug male/female dillemma :) it was very helpful!
I have decied to go in a slightly different direction just to make sure that I'm really cut out for the responsibility of owning a lab for the next 13 or so years. I have started training to be a puppy raiser for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. The puppy will live with me from 8 weeks until about a year and a half when it leaves for intensive training before being placed with a potential person with blindness. My job is to basically love, socailize and work on basic obedience commands with him or her. It'll definately be hard to give him up but knowing what a difference he will make in someone's life will help ease things a bit[I hope :)]. Anyway... My question is this... I started to worry a little about how Truman [my one year old pug] would respond to the other dog's leaving. Truman is very social and loves to play with large dogs and I'm sure will love to have a buddy but I wonder if it will have any negative effects on him... [I have already started thinking about getting another dog right before the guide dog leaves in order to ease the transition a little... I don't know...]. Any help anyone can offer will be much appreciated!

Thanks so much!!!

[Newfi lover]

That is sooo fabulous! What a great idea :) I wish you the best of luck, and hope you post many pictures of your puppies in training :D

[GoldenDad]

The great thing about dogs is that they adjust to changes in their environments and routine with relative ease. I think the important thing here is to not allow the pup in training to get too close to your own dog. I would assume that the organization which is fostering the pup out to you would advise you not to get to attached to the pup in training as well. After all you are only a temporary stop on the way to his new home, so developing deep bonds with him might be detrimental to the pups emotional well being and stability. Be loving, be friendly and be a good parent but keep in mind where his new parents and home will eventually be and remember too that he is a destined to be a working dog and not a playmate. You are taking on a big responsibility that will impact someone's life in a VERY positive way. Take pride in that. But remember that this is a responsibility you are taking on and not a new family member. Teach, giude and instruct and be a loving freind to him but remember your part and place in this process.

Good luck

GD :)

[krazy4birds]

I agree with GD completely. I think here it is more of an issue of the dog bonding to much with you and your pug. Good Luck to you I think it is wonderfull that you are doing this!

[urbanlime]

Thanks Guys!
I really appreciate the support and hadn't really thought that it was more of an issue of the dog bonding too closely with me. Definately food for thought and sure to be an interesting journey! I'll keep you posted :)