How hard is this whole process emotionally?

It is not easy. I will say that. It is always hard when something you love and helped to grow moves on to what they were meant to do. Ask any parent of a college bound kid. There are some things that have made this process for me easier.

1) I volunteered for an organization that provides follow up for Bear's whole life. I know someone is checking up on him forever. I know that if he is not happy or is being mistreated, that he has an advocate that will be looking out for him. I also know that the same person will make sure that Bear is skilled in the areas Jessica needs him to be even if her needs change. He is meant to work and he loves to work so I know that will continue as long as his health holds out.

2) I was able to meet Jessica and see her home. I know what environment Bear will be working in, where he sleeps, where he goes outside, etc. His life is not a mystery to me. I was able to have that connection which made me never wonder if he's safe or in danger because of the neighborhood.

3) I was able to have Bear home for a visit. Bear left my home officially in November. I was allowed to have him back with our family for one week during Christmas. That really helped me be able to say goodbye when the time came.

American Assistance Dogs really understands the needs of the volunteer trainers. They worked with me so that the transition was easier. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this adventure for Jessica, do it through American Assistance Dogs, and I look forward to training another dog for AAD in about a year.

So even though it was hard, I would definitely do it again.

HAPPY GRADUATION to Jessica and Bear

Bear and Jessica had their final graduation on June 23, 2007. It was awesome! Thank you so much to Jessica and her family. They said some very nice things to me and my family that we will never ever forget. I very much appreciated that. :) We wish you both all the best. It is such a blessing to know that Bear will be so well cared for.

Meet Jessica!

This is Bear's new owner, Jessica. I've had the priviledge of meeting her and I was thrilled that Bear was picked to work with her. She is such a wonderful woman. I'm sure we'll be posting things from her many travels with him. Her biggest need was to have a dog pick things up for her. YEA!! That was Bears biggest strength.

Reflection

As we are nearing Bear's official graduation, I look back on all the time and work we did together to get him to this point. He really has made me very proud.

He came to me as a cute, fuzzy, little puppy and he left a very skilled dog who's life truly has meaning with the difference he will make in this world.

He gives every day a life of independence, security, tremendous love, companionship, and joy to another human being who needs those things.

Although I have tears in my eyes as I write this post, I have such a huge heart that is bursting with pride. What an honor I have been given to help someone else in this way. I can't even express in words the absolute gratitude I have for being allowed to be a part of this process.

It's time consuming, it's frustrating, it's so much fun, it's entertaining, it's facinating, and it is oh, so rewarding. I felt like a partner to Bear in his growth and learning. I also feel so priviledged to turn him over to Jessica. What a wonderful person for him to work for.

I will meet them again at graduation and I'm sure the tears will flow but looking back on all the hard work - I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Update

Bear and Jessica have really done well together. I have not had the opportunity to see them working together other than the first couple of days. I went to a board meeting and the transition trainer brought Bear with. It was SO great to see him! He came right to me wagging his tail. He looked so happy! That really made me feel good.

We were getting ready to leave and I dropped my car key. I asked Bear to get it and he sniffed it, looked up at me, and left the key on the floor. I wondered what that was all about. Then Deb (the transition trainer) told me that he won't work for her anymore either. I asked why and she said, "He now knows who needs him and who doesn't."

WOW! That really amazed me.

A couple of days later Jessica asked Deb to call me to tell me that she can get Bear to open doors for her every time! I started laughing. Jessica remembered me telling her that Bear hates opening the doors. I can embarass the heck out of myself by getting him really excited and then giving the door command but only about 10% of the time will he do it. Jessica says he does it for her. I told Deb to sign that woman up as a trainer because I am truly impressed!

I guess Bear really does know who needs him and who doesn't.