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

Friday, September 17, 2010

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. 

7 comments:

Reddunappy said...

I am driving down to Boring campus, tomorrow. Our puppy raising club is having our Sept. outing there this month.
Dublin and another pup, Josh, are the two oldest pups in the club now. Both will be recalled in Oct.

We get to turn them loose in one of the eval. rooms to see what they will do! I really dont think Dublin will do anything, except sit down and look at the door, LOL.
He is sch a good boy, it will surprise me if he does do anything, like get on the furniature or on the counter etc.
We shall see!

Myrna R. said...

Happy day! It's great that you've had such good experiences with your dogs. They are like angels.

Retired Duo said...

What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing.

Maryissewfast said...

Dog day is my favorite day at work! Oh, that and graduation day! That's pretty special too! :)

Kauaiart said...

Congratulations Becky. It is a sweet and sorrowful mixture. Loosing my sight and getting a dog; grief and blessing in one room in the same moment. I Like dwelling on the Blessings personally, guide dogs are an amazing Gift.
Love, Suzy and Mirage

Karen said...

I remember talking to you after you had first met Pantera and the anticipation and excitement you felt when you saw her beautiful big eyes ready to help you. We love Crickers too and her very able assistance every day Hard to believe it has been that long ago.
.

Beth Finke said...

What great memories! My first guide was namedPandora. Timing isn't right, otherwise I might think she and Panterra were siblings!