My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Saturday, August 7, 2010

A Chance to Say Thanks Again

Today after yoga and a GDB Alumni Association Board Meeting, Steve and I (and Cricket) drove to Jerome, Idaho. Cricket needed to give some love to the bride, Rita.

Rita was the amazing instructor at Guide Dogs for the Blind that trained Cricket to be a guide dog and then taught me to work with Cricket. I love her and think of her often as we are walking along on our travels. During my two weeks of training with Rita at Guide Dogs for the Blind, we had many great experiences. She was the one that guided me through those early days as Cricket and I bonded. She helped me get to know Cricket and her personality. Give her a little extra love when you put on her harness, she is a little sensitive to the harness. This started our little cuddle moment when the harness goes on. One of my favorite memories is the Saturday at the shopping mall. I was excited to get experience in the mall on a busy day. (Hey, Cricket needed to be a trained shopper to go out with the girls.) Cricket did amazing and as we finished, Rita and I celebrated. I knew I could leave GDB and this dog would be able to guide me safely through busy malls and so much more.
Congratulations, Ken and Rita, and thank you so much.

4 comments:

Maryissewfast said...

Thanks for the great tribute to Rita...she is a great friend and was a joy to work with! I miss her at GDB!

Infrequent Flyers said...

That's so nice. It must have been fun for you all to reunite. Congrats to the bride and groom!

Lisa and pups said...

WOW - what a neat opportunity! How fun!

Beth and Alfie said...

What a wonderful post and tribute to Rita. Congratulations to her of course...and to the Cricket/Becky team for all your amazing adventures and achievements!