Several months ago, my wife Linda and I decided we'd raise a puppy for the Seeing Eye organization, headquartered in Morristown, NJ. Well last week we received the phone call indicating that a black lab puppy named Zuke would be delivered to us on Monday, August 20th.
Zuke arrived on schedule, and he looked so precious... we just couldn't help but capture a portrait of him on his first day with us, at 8 weeks old.

We've already attended a couple of Seeing Eye monthly meetings prior to Zuke's arrival, and I can tell you he won't stay this small for long. So having an 8-week old portrait of Zuke is something we'll always treasure. And if all goes as planned, we'll have Zuke for approximately 14-18 months, after which time he'll return back to the Seeing Eye in Morristown, where he'll undergo formal training and hopefully "graduate" to become a dog guide for someone in need of his services.
Until that time, however, we'll be raising Zuke and exposing him to as many "real world" situations as we can to better prepare him for his life as a dog guide during his adult years. So you will often see Zuke when we're out photographing on location or if you're coming into the studio for a portrait or consultation!
We know going into this program that it will be difficult to "send him back" after the emotional ties of 18 months. However, I can tell you that Linda and I just attended the Seeing Eye organization's Annual Family Day in Morristown this past weekend. And witnessing some of the success stories where dog guides were matched with someone in need is nothing short of amazing. What a tremendous program!!! If you're interested in learning more about the Seeing Eye, please visit their website online at www.seeingeye.org.
1 comment:
Dave,
You and Linda are doing a great job with Zuke. I learned something today, his name is not spelled Zook like I thought. His sister, Zoey is in my club (Lower Bucks Pups). Dennis really enjoyed working with you and Linda at the meeting and we both wish you all the luck and love in the world with Zuke!
Linda and Dennis
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