Madeline
Today we had a retirement party for Madeline. It was a wonderful joyful tearful day. We had upwards of 25 people, some brought gifts some didn't, but we didn't care. The guest of honor, next to Madeline, was her puppy raiser, Rachel, who came from oakland, CA to be a part of the day. I had not seen Rachel since Maddie was given to me on january 31, 1998 at Guide Dogs for the Blind. We had many puppies in the GDB puppy program and their raisers, all there to pay tribute to my girl. This is a hard one, letting this magnificent girl go, but she's 10 1/2, and I do believe that dogs like humans, need retirement years so it's my decision to let her go. Happily, she'll only be going to Gary, so she'll still be here in the home, but my relationship with her changes as of today. How do I convey to a dog how much she has meant to me; how do I thank her for the hard work she's done on my behalf; how do i tell her from my heart to her's how much her life has meant to me. i guess I can't, I can only say it through the written word. She is number 1 of all seven I've had, and letting her go is tough, tougher than tough, it's wrenching. Yet, I love her enough to know when it's time and to do what's in her own best interest.

My girl has always shown a desire to work and guide and please, even when she's been afraid; even when neither of us has known where we were going in strange cities, my girl was alwys willing to try. I bless my girl with every good white light and spirit in my consciousness, and am glad she will be around me for more years, but as my pal and pet. She guided me with an angel's spirit, and together, we traveled with the protection of angel's wings. Now it's her turn to lie in the sun beams she loves so well, play with the toys she adores, and just relax.

Thank you my dear madeline for nine years of love, partnership and companionship. You are my sweet little wite lab, 55 pounds of wiggle, and always I will love you. I know you were sent to me by those gone before, and I bless and love you for who you are!

In one week, I'll be off to Guide Dogs for the Blind in Boring, and the start of a new adventure with a new small creature whose challenge will be to teach her as much as I could teach you. My girl, my friend, my partner, my eyes and my little spirit guide, I love you! We have always signed our e-mail M&M, and we are known for our M&M signature so much so that people brought M&Ms to your party today. Sweet little M, we will alwys and forever be M&M. Your soft kitty-like fur, which feels so soft to my hands, will never be far from my memory. Your little tail, tapping my left calf as we walk will always be in my mind, and your sweet little hands, known to others as front paws, holding my fingers as you do will never ever be forgotten. Go to your dad now, little sweet girl, and give him the unconditional love you've given me. In your honor, I will promise to work as hard as I can with guide number eight to make her or him into the model guide you have been. Enjoy not working, enjoy not going into the rain, enjoy not having to ride in the scarey car on I5 when it rumbles and roars beneath you. You've earned a rest, you've earned the toys, you've earned the sun beams. Thank you for being my light and my little spirit friend for all these years.

M.



September 23, 2006