birthday and goodbye...

So, here we are... "turn in day"... the day that we say goodbye and Rylie starts her advance training.. "turning into" the dog that she is suppose to be. I, of course, hope that she goes into service work, but it's a big calling for a dog to do that, so "who ever" she turns out to be.. service or pet.. is fine. It's also her very first birthday... she has matured quickly and we feel that she is ready for her advance work.

This has turned out to be the "parting photo" with all of my puppies, sitting the out by the old mower, with the farm in the back ground. This mornings fog only seemed to add to my own "weepy" feelings.....

Rylie knew things were different, and I had to pull it together, so not to upset her. You'd think that by now, I would be used to turning puppies in.. that it would be easier in some sense... truth is....it's NOT...

Favorite kitty, Mona... came by to bid goodbye... Rylie seemed to enjoy a few moments with her......

But, it's time to get moving.. the others are waiting, and it's a big day ahead. Perhaps Rylie will have the chance to come and visit us again... (Ginger does)... but more likely not.... she heads down the drive.. she' s ready...

When we arrive a NEADS she doesn't jump right out of the jeep....

But all her friends are waiting.....

Our day starts out as a usual check in day. A time to chat with Dave and give him all the latest news in training and life with the puppies. Rylies waits quietly... she is in her "working mode" and knows just how to behave....

And then into the city, like we have done a "million" times before. It's a nice day.. not too hot for summer and the puppies always seem to enjoy the sights and sounds. Certainly different from the quiet country life that we lead....

Rylie shows off all her skills.. like "under" a bench in the train station.....

And checking out the sights and sounds at the park....

Which today, was quite busy with a farmer's market.. people out enjoying the day and even a little band playing... All the puppies took this in stride....

The day zipped by, we had lunch at the hospital and poked around the city streets... but going back to NEADS in time to get Ry settled in... I took her to the garden in the back for a few quiet moments, just us....

Smiles are hard to pull off right now....

But Dave isn't going to give me much time for tears (yeah!!!) and is already planning out my new "little project"......

Our wonderful group .... the Maine puppy chapter of June 2013... because as with our group, it changes each year.... some of us have puppies, and some are taking a break... but, we are still a great group that work together and provide the best "trained" puppies that we can.......

My two girls... Debbie will be my partner for the next year.. and Rylie.. my partner from last year.......

Dave is ready... and I have prolonged this long enough.. a quick hand off of the leash (and that last hug)....

And she is off......

As her tail slips threw the kennel door, I send a little prayer with her.... I can't wait to hear what the future will bring.. I can't wait to meet her "real" family..... I can't wait... I can't wait....

Another "empty" vest.... another piece of my heart is heading out into the world.... another moment of tears and goodbyes....












and then.. at my feet... this darling little face... who says to me....


"get it together... we have a lot of work to do and only a year to get it done!!!!"



"The life of Rylie"... becomes "the days with Debbie"