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

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Two Incredible Dogs.

Today, Cricket and I were walking along the sidewalk. I heard construction up ahead and trusted that Cricket would do what needed to be done. She didn't miss a beat and weaved off the sidewalk, around a parking strip and then back on to her line of travel on the sidewalk around the construction. As one of the workers said, that was amazing! I was so proud of her and happy that I had a yummy treat in my pocket. She nailed it and she knew it. Super awesome. (The picture below is with my two guides the night before Pantera died. She was very ill and in this moment I was trying to put into words how much I loved them. I think they knew.)
This morning on the ellyptical, I cried listening to the reports about the latest tornado and the impact on so many lives. I reflected back to a day in August 1999, Kendall, Pantera and I had taken the bus to SLC to go to the mall. It started out such a beautiful day. We left Kendall in a toy store and were going to go nearby to an ATM. Pantera did not want to leave Kendall. I had to tell her he was fine :) and we would be right back. I thought it was a bit odd but carried on. Little did I know what she was feeling. We walked outside and crossed the street to the ATM. As we went back outside, it was super dark and had that ominious feel. No one was crossing the street except for me and Pantera! I had to get back to my son and Pantera knew it. I will never forget the group huddled by the doorway and Pantera and I moving past them and crossing the street. To make a long story short ... we were in the midst of the rare tornado in Utah. Pantera crossed that street as focused as she had ever been knowing that we needed to get to Kendall. Pantera calmed once we were back with Kendall and in the basement of the mall where they had ushered all the people. We spent seveal hours downtown unable for Steve to get to us or us to get out.

Just two stories about two incredible dogs.

10 comments:

Lucent Imagery said...

Indeed they are incredible stories. I love to learn about the world through my dog's perspective and I take his interpretation and assumption about people and situations seriously because he reads them so well. Hugs to you both.

S.DAY said...

love love love both of those dogs. And they love their momma! Sorry we haven't been running due to my "limitations" but I can't wait to walk and talk tomorrow. I'll pick you up at 10:30! can't wait!

3 labs 4 me said...

Amazing stories Becky. These dogs are wonderful in many ways. I remember when Jessie tried to warn me about an earthquake about to happen. Within seconds, the ground started moving.

Raiser Erin said...

Dogs are amazing creatures. Especially those you have such strong bonds with. :)

Infrequent Flyers said...

Love those stories! Aren't we so blessed to have dogs in our lives. I love that photo of you with both Cricket and Pantera, the way you are looking at them and they are looking back at you. There's so much being shared between the three of you.

Karen said...

We are also thankful everyday for Cricket as we were for Pantera. Thank you Guide Dogs!!

Reddunappy said...

Special girls, no doubt!!!
The last one we raised, Dublin, we got back as a pet, he is still such a special boy!
I am trying to decide when to raise our third GDB puppy, maybe this fall. With Dublin, who will be 2 in July, and Max my little Chaweenie, who just turned 1 in Feb. I wanted them to grow up a little before I added another puppy to the mix.
We shall see, it is a very fulfilling thing to do, raising a GDB puppy.

Lacey said...

Wpw! Amazing dogs!! I'm so impressed with their intuitions! And also so cool how protective Pantera was of not only you but Kendall as well.

Jen said...

Waw, amazing story.

Debbie said...

Wow, Becky, that is a great story!! Didn't know Pantera but Cricket is amazing!! Hope you have a great weekend.