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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
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.
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.
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