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

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Reflecting

Tomorrow is my office staff meeting I need to pull together with a presentation and also I have a speech to give that evening. I also am trying to put my thoughts together for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Fall Luncheon in Oregon. My dear friend, Debi and I will be sharing and it is going to be so special. As I do when I need a break, I turn to blogging to clear my head. Tomorrow is October 11th. This is a special day for me - it is the day I graduated with my first guide, Pantera. I celebrate and reflect on my graduation with Cricket as well. In a presentation I shared recently about this day I said: After graduation, my family recalls how they had a hard time keeping up with me as Pantera and I glided through the airport with a big smile on my face and a happy wag of the tail. My children learned at an early age the incredible joy and value of a guide dog in our family. My husband had the gift of knowing his wife was safe and going as fast as she wanted to go! Over 100 flights later with now my second guide Cricket, that first airport scene with a guide dog is something we still reminisce about in our family with joy and gratitude.
This special picture is taken the night before Pantera died and the last picture I have with my sweet guides together. It is sweet for many reasons. It was a special evening of celebrating these beautiful dogs and also I am reminded how Pantera gracefully stepped back as a retired dog and let Cricket be the guide.

10 comments:

GOOSE said...

What a beautiful reflection. Must admit MOM has a tear in her eye.
Blessings,
Goose

Reddunappy said...

Beautiful memory.

Myrna R. said...

I have a tear in my eye too. I grieve all the wonderful animals that have touched my life. Yet none has given me as much as yours give you. So, I imagine the appreciation you feel.

Retired Duo said...

Pantera is happy knowing Cricket is taking good care of you.

Karen said...

Hawe a tear in my eye as well. Trying not to let the people at the public library see it. That was so very special when we all realized the blessing of that wonderful Pantera and now our sweet Crickers. Happy Day!!
Mom and Dad

Karen said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
wendy said...

I am sure it is indeed a very sweet picture for you.
What a special bond.

Unknown said...

Teary eye while reading your post. Unforgettable memories flash back from our dog beauty. We love her so much she truly a companion for us.

Unknown said...

This is beautiful in such a bittersweet way. It gives me the space to reflect as well. Thank you for that.

3 labs 4 me said...

I love this special photo. I have many fond memories of Pantera too. I love sharing in new memories with Cricket. Yes, it will be very special to tell our story of friendship at the Oregon Fall Luncheon. Can't wait!