Dog Day

September 17, 1997 is the day that I was introduced to my first guide dog, Pantera. I recall standing outside the hall of my room of the Oregon Guide Dogs for the Blind chatting with the other students that were waiting to be introduced to their dog. I remember I was one of the last ones which is not generally the case with a last name beginning with A! My turn was called and I was introduced to my yellow lab beginning with the letter P - Pantera. I returned back to my room to begin the bonding process with a dog that somehow was going to guide me to independence. It was a very new experience. I can still remember the jittery feelings of time alone with Pantera as we began to get acquainted. Second dog day with Cricket was ten years later and the waiting was not near as long. I had a much better idea of what the journey ahead would be like. I was continuing on with feeling independent. It held many of those same special emotions of having this excited dog that I was going to get to know on an amazingly deep level. As I reflect on dog day today, I remember back to that fear and excitement 13 years and 3 1/2 years ago. The joys that have become because I embraced that fear. It has helped me try more and more new things most of them with a guide dog by my side. There are some like pushing myself to run, that are done with Cricket cheering me on from home. Its nice to have a slurpy kiss when I return.

This date holds a special place in my heart and takes me back to the excitement of meeting both Pantera and Cricket.