The Unexpected Letter

No not a puppy name letter, a MAIL letter. ;)

So as of last week, I was expecting several different letters. A recall letter perhaps in the mail, or maybe learning the letter of some puppies' names. The letter I got on Saturday was definitely NOT an expected letter. I thought it was the recall letter, but as I read, I became increasingly confused.

What was this letter? It was a neuter letter for Spike. After reading this, I immediately called my leader, and after a little phone tag I talked with her. She was a little confused about the letter as well, and decided to email our CFR about it. Celeste said that she had no idea that they were sending the letter, and that she was very sorry. We basically asked her whether it would be better to have him neutered before recall, or if it could wait until after. She replied and said it would be best to get it done before. So, this morning I called our vet and the boy is going in on Thursday morning for his little procedure.

I'm a little bummed, but not as much as I thought I would be. Before Celeste mentioned something at his eval, I really hadn't given the subject of him becoming a breeder much thought. So, I've had an un neutered male for a year now, and he's getting neutered not even a month before he goes back. Better to get it done now I guess, so that he has no down time in training. However, it would have been a tiny bit helpful to get this letter like four months ago. ;) All I can say is that, I don't think being un neutered hurt him in any way, he wasn't especially hormonal, except the occasional marking at other people's houses, which he never does at home. But there was really nothing else. It did help him to mature into a very nice looking dog, and at least I was able to receive that compliment from Celeste! Even though it won't happen now, it's nice to think that it may have been possible. The probable reasoning for his neutering, is that the breeding department probably decided that, for whatever reason, they didn't want a stud from this litter. Not to say they won't take a female though. ;)

Anyway, the neutering probably won't make a difference that I can see right away, but I'm sure it will help him mature even more during training. Even though this option has been taken away, I hope he'll make an excellent guide for someone.

There is no puppy news as of 11am this morning. I assume they're waiting to send out puppy letters, in case they have to change something, but I doubt we'll be waiting much longer. ;)

~Kelsey, Spike, and Chappelle