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 13, 2014

Lab Love, Transitioning, Loving More

When my first guide, Pantera, retired she was 11.  She loved being a guide dog and took such pride in her work. It seemed when she couldn't be a guide any longer she was content to be home. She seemed to say - You go girl, Cricket!  You take over now.  The transition was easy.  

The transition has been a little different with Cricket. She is younger - almost 9 and still very much wants to go - just not as a guide :). She comes to the door when we leave. We have experimented with different fun treats, activities to entice her while we are away.    Whenever we leave her, it generally ends up with me gently moving her to the side -- telling her I love her so much - giving her a treat and reminding her we will be back.   She loves to go for walks, car rides and be a part of any adventure. As much as possible, she joins in.   Last week she joined me and Georgie at the office for staff meeting. After staff meeting, we took her to the Legacy House to see how she would do as a therapy dog in the Memory Care Center. It was her first time and to be honest she wasn't super engaged.  It may not be the best fit or she may just need a little more time.  I am going to take her back.  We are also looking into some other options as well. She has much lab love she wants to share.  I am fortunate that Steve and Kendall both take her for walks and she gets lots of interaction with comings and goings.  

Overall, it is going fantastic and I keep reminding myself to just love and reassure her that she is very much loved.   I also think what a blessed transition to have ... two  loving labs that are having so much fun together on their down time.
I am grateful that Georgie is taking this little dynamic all in stride - happy and confident as can be.  Love these girls and the love, freedom and joy they bring into our lives.    

Came home from work and Cricket had had a nice long walk today thanks to Kendall.  She is loved.  

3 comments:

Lablove said...

It must be difficult to move dear Cricket gently to the side when you leave, especially after the thousands of times she confidently guided you out the door. It is wonderful that she is getting so much love and care from so many people, and so much fun play time with Georgie. She is blessed!

Beth Finke said...

Maybe it's becuause I haven't been keeping up with your blog (mea culpa!) but I'm curious: what was it about Cricket that made you know she should no longer be a "guide"?

Beth Finke said...

PS: Love the name "Georgie"!