Cricket Reflections

My colleague's refer to Cricket as the mascot of our office. She takes this second job :) seriously ... hanging out in the doorspace of the group room to watch those who enter the office as well as keep an eye on those in the breakroom.  I hear repeatedly throughout the day - the joy that Cricket brings in our office.  Today it was the two of us alone in the office - a break between clients and here she was in her space. I stopped and found myself just relishing in this sweet moment.   In the past seven years - she has been in this space during a break in clients so so many times.  I reflected on the growth that both Cricket and I have experienced in the past seven years.  I reflected on our walk up to Dick's Market probably a month or so after returning home from our training 7 years ago when I felt it and said -- Cricket we are in sync ... we are an amazing team. We were in the flow together.

I found myself extremely grateful that we can have a transition - she is easing into retirement.  She seems to understand that I got her two month notice :) - will be retiring in February.   It has me reflecting on Pantera's retirement party 7 1/2 years ago.  She was so funny.  She wore her Happy Retirement Hat all night and greeted all the friends and family who came to celebrate her years of service.  The years fly so quickly and here we are beginning to plan Cricket's retirement party.  Details to follow ... In the meantime, cherishing the moments of walking with my girl both on and off harness and refreshing my cane skills.

Becky and Cricket (both younger :), 2007

Presenting. Remembering. Loving.

Presenting. Steve and I had the opportunity to give a presentation to a church group on Nurturing Our Marriage. We had fun. Cricket sat next to the bishop most of the time and was cute (and a little distracting).   Next presentation is on Guide Dogs.  I am excited to share and tell you all about it!  I will be doing much pondering and reflecting on my blessed journey with Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

I realized when we got home and was typing in the date that today is Pantera's day.  (my first guide dog - worked til she was 11 - died at 12 1/2 - very fortunate)  She would of been 16 years old.  Sweet girl.  I made many dog bone sugar cookies for that birthday girl over the years.  Sorry, Cricket you get store bought cookies for your friends ... but you have a blog and pictures on the computer?  You both are so deeply loved.   The picture below and our family pics in 2007 are the only ones I have of Pantera on the computer.  A project has me needing to change that soon! 

Loving this beautiful Fall Day.  We're going to go for a walk shortly and enjoy the crispness in the air. 

Resilient. Pantera

We are approaching the anniversary I met my first guide dog, 13 years ago. I've been thinking about her.

Pantera represented Resilience to me. Pantera broke her leg as a puppy. Surgery and a metal plate were put in her leg and she continued on with her training.  I received Pantera and they shared the story of the scar on her leg. I could run my fingers on her leg and feel the scar from her surgery. Ocassionally, I would get asked what had happened to her leg. It was on the inside of her back leg so it wasn't very noticeable unless she was lying down in a certain way. I had worked with Pantera for two years when on a wintery commute from work, I realized she had her leg tucked back in and was walking on three legs! Fortunately, I was right outside of a building and I was able to walk inside this building, massage her leg, and call for help. My heart hurts for her even now thinking of her pain and desire to keep on walking and helping me to the bus stop. She had such tenacity. After discussion with GDB, it was decided the cold weather in Utah combined with the metal plate in her leg most likely caused the pain. She was a young working guide with possibly many years left to work, so Steve and I flew her to Oregon where the same surgeon removed the plate. Again, I thought maybe Pantera would say enough and need to be retired. After four weeks off and the best care ever with foster care and now forever dear friends, Steve and Debi, she returned with a bounce in her step and a desire to continue to work. Pantera's puppy raiser tells me she was so proud of her puppy jacket and loved to go. She thrived and took such great pride in her time as a working guide dog for nine years. Then when she knew she couldn't do it anymore, she let me know it was time to retire. She gracefully stepped back formed a special bond with Steve and allowed Cricket to move in as my next guide dog. Then came, the difficult time of knowing that it was time to say good-bye. She was very sick (cancer) and needed to go. Again, Pantera did it with grace and resilience. The final hug and thank her for a life well lived of service is a moment I will always treasure. Love you, Pantera and thanks for teaching me much about Resiliency and Embracing and Accepting What Is every step of your journey. I love you and miss you.

Please share your story of Resilience. Your ability to bounce back and push through difficult times. Email me at: becky.resilient@gmail.com and I will share your story on a Resilient Monday.

Tribute to Pantera

Before we begin the journeys of Cricket, my guide dog of the past year -- I want to celebrate and honor my first guide dog, Pantera. She died March 22, 2008. She opened my eyes - literally to the amazing freedom a guide dog can give to an individual. Pantera was the 'dog of honor' at her puppy raiser's wedding, Meg -- I will always love her and think of her fondly as my dog of honor. Thanks Pantera for 9 years of service and devotion as my guide and a loved part of our family.