Girl Cries Happy Tears After Seeing Her Guide Dog Again

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Helping to raise a guide dog for the blind is an emotional experience—full of dedication, love, and eventually, letting go. That’s what Savannah Ames went through when she became the puppy raiser for a sweet yellow Labrador named Bristol. Over a period of about 16 months, Savannah worked hard to teach Bristol all the basics: how to behave around people, other animals, and in different surroundings. Once Bristol mastered these important lessons, she moved on to the next stage—harness training—and that’s when Savannah had to say goodbye. But that farewell wasn’t the end of their story.

From High School Adventures to a Tough Goodbye

During their time together, Bristol wasn’t just a trainee—she was part of Savannah’s daily life. Bristol even went to high school with Savannah and tagged along for fun events like the Homecoming dance. The two were practically joined at the hip, going on hikes, attending Dodgers games, and accompanying Savannah to dance competitions. It’s no surprise that a strong connection formed between them. But when the time came for Bristol to leave for advanced training, Savannah had to let her go, knowing she was on the path to becoming a guide dog and helping someone in need.

An Unexpected Reunion Full of Joy

Some time later, life had moved on and the chapter with Bristol seemed closed—until something unexpected happened. One day, Savannah’s dad came to pick her up and had a surprise waiting in the car. As Savannah approached, she paused and asked, “Is that what I think it is?” She ran to the car, crying tears of joy, as Bristol leapt out to greet her. The tail-wagging reunion was pure happiness—for both the dog and her former trainer.

So why was Bristol back? It turned out that she had a mild case of hip dysplasia. While it didn’t affect her as a pet, it meant she couldn’t continue in the guide dog program. When a dog is removed from training, the original raiser gets the first chance to bring them home—and Savannah didn’t think twice. She welcomed Bristol back with open arms.

She Mistreated 66 Dogs—And Can Still Own Pets Legally!

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Living the Good Life After a Bittersweet Twist

On April 5, 2025, Bristol turned nine years old. She’s now living her best life with Savannah and her family. Her days are filled with fun and play—she has other dogs to romp with, several cats to cuddle, and a group of miniature donkeys to chase around a nearby pasture. These donkeys even make guest appearances at events like weddings and photo shoots, thanks to the family’s leasing program.

Savannah and her family have helped raise about ten guide dogs over the years. Bristol is only the second one who returned home, which shows just how rare these reunions are. Training a guide dog is never easy—it’s a process filled with hard work and emotional goodbyes. But when things take an unexpected turn, and a reunion like this happens, it turns into a story worth celebrating.