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

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Dog Day

September 17th is a special day for me. Fourteen years ago, I began to walk confidently and independently with a guide dog. I will always remember waiting for that sweet, excited yellow lab that began with the letter P ... Pantera. Four and a half years ago, I was introduced to my adorable yellow lab - Cricket. This day is etched in my mind as dog day.
How did we celebrate?  Mostly with a sense of gratitude in my heart all day.  Gratitude for the freedom, confidence, joy and independence that have been mine as a part of a Guide Dog Team.  I also celebrated with running 5 miles, (amazing), yoga (awesome to do after running --  yogicarts is quite the workout), busy day including a conference call with an amazing group of individuals (GDB Alumni Association) and an evening spent with family and friends.  Cricket spent some time at the groomer with the fragrance selected -- sugar cookie, because she is just so yummy!  
We just went for a lovely walk.  Such a beautiful day!  I walked along chatting with Steve with Cricket working her magic.  I will fly independently to San Rafael this week with Cricket.  I will attend a conference on Friday with my colleagues meeting them at a new location with Cricket by my side with no worries. The list goes on of the freedom a guide dog creates ...

Indeed a day to celebrate.  I am so grateful, even as hard as it was to leave my young family 14 years ago for four weeks, (they managed with stories to tell) to have made the decision to become a partner with a guide dog.    Pantera and Cricket have enhanced my life tremendously.. beyond words.       

 

5 comments:

Infrequent Flyers said...

I can tell what a gorgeous day it is in your photos. I feel gratitude for Cabana as we walk together, too, even though she isn't working when she walks with me. We're so fortunate.

Happy dog day to you!

Brittany said...

I love hearing about dog days!! I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been. You and Cricket are such an amazing team!

jennohara said...

Great pictures. Beautiful scenery.
Happy Dog Day Becky! (And Cricket girl!)

wendy said...

Sugar cookie fragrance....how yummy.
Our dog always smells so good after being to the groomers as well. I just stick my nose in her soft fur and inhale.
but I am sure they don't have sugar cookie.

amazing the abilities these dogs have....and how they are blessed your life with such freedom and independence

Myrna R. said...

What a wonderful blessing to have these great dogs. And what a wonderful person you are, to be receptive to their guidance.