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I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
BUT..,



Have you ever wondered what happens to the
guide dogs that don’t make the grade?


I used to until one day I called up and
asked. There is a waiting list for failed dogs and when you think that they come
already toilet trained to the extent of going where and when you say, it’s not
surprising. Plus the thirty thousand dollars spent on obedience training that
you don’t have to shell out for and you get a bargain at
$800.00.


There were rules to adhere too though if
you are picked as a new owner. The dog has to live inside, being a softy all my
dogs do anyway and they made sure I knew that he wouldn’t scrounge for food.
Imagine a dog that didn’t drool when you were eating. Bonus.



Needless to say, I put my name down. I was
quizzed over the phone as to why I wanted one of their dogs and my answer was
simple. I was planning a career as a diversional therapist and wanted a dog to
visit hospital patients.


Suddenly my name went to the top of the
list because his training would be put to good use. My dog was now available and
would I like to come and visit? Bring a lead and a cheque,
thanks.


When we arrived at Guide Dogs Brisbane we
were introduced to Hugo.  All the
dogs are from reputable breeders and my new friend has a pedigree a mile
long.


Hugo or Hertigenvale Hugo to be exact. Huge
dog for short because he is one of the biggest dogs that they have ever had.
When trim and slim, Hugo weighs in at 40 odd
kilos


When I was doing the paperwork the trainer
suggested that I might like to buy him a halti type lead because he really is a
strong dog and that is the reason he was being fired, that and the fact that if
he sees another dog there is not a chance in hell of anyone stopping him.



The first time I took him for a walk was to
the beach. You know how Labradors love the water. I was the joke of the day as
the big lug dragged me from the car all the way down to the water’s edge. Even
with the halti on there was no stopping him. I had a long lead with me so I
attached that and let him swim back and forth amongst the waves until he had
enough.


Mum and Dad came out to the farm to visit
and meet Hugo. As always Mum brought a cake, chocolate mud cake if I remember
rightly. As soon as my back was turned, you guessed it. The whole cake
disappeared off the table, not a crumb left and not a cup broken. Hmmm, that
training trick wasn’t set in stone.


Career plans changed for one reason or
another and Hugo never did get to visit those people in hospital. Instead be
became my shadow and now he has made an appearance in my young adult series of
books that I have written.


We started walking every day when we moved
to Mt Isa and I never had a problem, even when he saw another dog. Most of the
time he was very controllable if somewhat excited. Until one day we decided to
go one street further than usual before turning for
home.


Hugo saw two dogs he has never met before
who obviously wanted a moment of his time and before I knew what was happening I
was flying through the air to land in the middle of the road on my elbow. Hugo
was happily trading smells at the fence line while I lay stunned. A few seconds
later he was at my side, confused as to why I was laying down and not walking
along side him.