Any advice from some who might have had same experience?

[TensionWheelsCoolHeels]

My mum started puppy walking for Guide Dogs for the Blind last year, and at the time I was concerned how my DD would cope with getting attached to the dog then having to say goodbye. She's 8. DD and the dog are like soul mates now, play endlessly together and the dog actually listens more to DD than my mum at times! We have talked about the dog going away to be trained to be a guide dog, which she's so far seemed ok about. The idea of there being another puppy to follow afterwards seems to 'soften the blow'.

The dog has just had her initial assessment at the training facility and she's failed. She's not going to be a guide dog, and she's not suitable for any other type of work, mainly due to her immaturity and nerves (she gets too nervous in shops and has loose bowels when this happens). So, the options were for my mum to keep her if she wanted to, or she'll be re-homed to be a family pet. However, because of the sort of dog she is (she's wired to he moon tbh) my mum wouldn't be allowed another puppy until the current one is about 4 as she'd be a bad influence. So, she's decided to let her go to another home.

I'm a bit thrown by what's happened as the narrative we've used is that the dog is going to do a 'good thing' to help someone who is blind, thus taking the sting out of her moving on. The problem is now, that's not going to happen, and I don't know how to break that to my DD. I don't think we can pretend she's still going to be a guide dog, as I think my mum will likely keep in touch and it'll be obvious it's. not someone who is blind. I'm just worried at DD's reaction to the dog going to live with someone else to be a pet, which she would love for us/my mum to have but isn't an option.

So, I'm looking for advice on how to break this to DD/what to say. Should I just be completely honest and deal with inevitable tears or tell a white lie to spare DD that upset? She'll be going to spend time this weekend to say goodbye and I'm absolutely dreading it. I know ill get upset, so god knows how DD will cope!

[tabulahrasa]

I'd be honest - Puppy didn't pass the guide dog test, granny can't keep her or she wouldn't be able to help any more guide dog puppies so they've found her a nice owner.

Something like that, stressing that your mum gets to help more people by puppy walking and that the current one has to go to be able to do that.

Also tell her as much as you can about how lovely the dog's new owner and home are.

I mean, she'll obviously be gutted, but if you soften it with those I think it would be easier.

[TensionWheelsCoolHeels]

Thanks, that's good advice. I just didn't know what to say/how to say it. Probably 'cos I'm getting tearful myself thinking about it - which I'm surprised at 'cos I've tried to keep my distance/not get attached but the daft dog just loves me too, so practically floors me when I see her and won't leave me alone.

Thanks again.

[TensionWheelsCoolHeels]

Told DD as above, and she's ok with it. Might have some tears when she says goodbye for real on Sunday but she's looking forward to getting to run riot with her, with no rules, at the weekend. Will make sure we get a few nice photos to keep.