With Gratitude: A Special Bond

Time flies. Cricket is approaching turning eight and I've been reflecting on our years together. We have experienced much as a team. I'm looking forward to more wonderful years together as long as she feels the same :). When she loses her bounce in her step to work, I will give her the gift of retirement. There is very little that we don't do together. She goes almost everywhere with me. She knows all my little mannerisms. She can tell from how I get ready in the morning and where I set my purse if we are going to be riding with Steve or if we are catching a ride with someone else. She waits by a different door. She excitedly knows now that we have flowers to water each morning and that she gets to be involved in this watering process.  She knows that when I put on my bike helmet, she stays home.  She knows a bright 'blind athlete' vest and tether mean running and she stays home.  I know that she settles down in a meeting if she can lean into my feet, lay on top of my purse or something else that puts us physically connected. I reflect in awe at the whole process of being matched to a dog that is a beautiful fit that understands me and happily gets up each day to love and serve throughout the day. So sweet and inspiring! Love you Cricker girl.  I know that when she snuggles up like in this picture that soon snoring will come and I will need to reposition her so she's not snoring too loudly in church!