Class on Friday

Just a note, tired at that to say we just had  a ten hour day in class for Hand Ear and Foot Integrated Reflexology Training. Pilgrim is my guide and goes everywhere. The hotel where our meeting is help us being renovated. Thefloors and   walls and carpet are all torn up. The bathrooms don't work! So Pilgrim had a full day leading me around the obstacles and relieving and resisting all the gazes that marveled at his ability to lie still for eight of the ten hours.

Now home he is ready to cut loose and romp. I encourage such raucous behavior and sleep will come soon enough:) 'Great Dog' does not begin to describe Pilgrim!

Thursday

One highlight: our neighborhood newspaper is doing a story on the new kid on the Block! A handsome blonde guy who  lives with Suzy and Dan:)

Guess Who . , . . Is making news :)

Wait wait! there's More

Today Pilgrim noisily wagged his "Good Morning" greeting, so anxious to see me!

Unlike Mirage who went directly to the chow, Pilgrim dashes for his toy box. He greets each toy with a shake a romp or a squeak and discards it;) 

I am not teaching yoga until July, preferring to focus on just two worlds at a time. Integrating puppy and becoming licensed  in Reflexology will keep me plenty amused.

Although i wanted to study today i joined Dan for a swim and made the routine at the pool a repeat for Pilgrim. A needed haircut took us 'off track' too. 

I asked Dan to drop us off 1.5 miles from our yoga class so mr Pilgrim and I could work up and down curbs, total barricades and dog distractions along Main Street. This went very well. We stopped for a small coffee at Starbucks and I fed my boy in the ladies restroom.

We proceeded to yoga. I have tried to get here for three days and had to cancel rides on Monday and Tuesday due to conflicts. We arrived early for introductions and a settling in of a somewhat winded puppy. 

When class began he was very affectionate, resting his head on my lap for meditation. During a walking meditation he got up to locate me and became distracted by another student. I returned to my mat to direct him, laying on one side to nestle him close. For his first class he did well;) he is still a young!

We left class to relieve and it was an hour wait for a bus, so we walked some more.

Once home, a dinner of farro salad and a bath. Finally it was dark and the books came out:) focusing on Pilgrim and the economic necessity of becoming licensed leaves just enough time to relax and enjoy this special time with my amazing new Partner Pilgrim!

Continuing

Tuesdays and Thursdays we go to yoga at 8:30 in the morning. Oh we were up early enough:) but 'someone' wasn't empty. I said, "Okay! We can still make  swim class at 10:00." He was ready by then. We are learning one another's habits and are not fully dialed in yet as can be expected.

We arrived at Aqua Core a bit early so Pilgrim could meet his admiring public. With pomp and circumstance, he strutted into the pool area. I led him past a group of grinning women and he lay down near the lifeguard chair, His head raised to elegant heights to inspect every person:) the golden plume of his tail waving Hello!

My husband arrived for the 11:00 o'clock offering and i stayed for half of that class, mostly to introduce the long awaited Pilgrim;) i offered him water from a class as it is warm in the pool enclosure.

We dressed and returned to our home while the class paddled on. This was our first authentic route, one we could do daily. Pilgrim carried it out flawlessly. Never stopping, so sure of each bouncing step!

After lunch there was time for an outing. I asked Mariellen if we could introduce our two dogs. Mari adopted my retired guide Mirage. She said by all means! The two net in front of our church and immediately sniffed one another, then played and whirled tangling leashes. We brought Mirage a toy which Pilgrim would have destroyed given the opportunity. I clearly felt a deeper love for One. 

I am looking forward to babysitting fir Mirage soon do i can enjoy a c

loud if dog fur, let it 'rain' black and white!

First day at work

Pilgrim worked perfectly; three sets of stairs and into my office. He settled on a brown fleece under a low window, attached to an old brass radiator pipe. My client arrived and he slept peacefully during our session. The already heavenly space was transformed by his Regal animal Presence. Birds chirped on the ipod and the sunlight streamed through the West window, illuminating the billowy chestnut tree.

Which reminds me . . . . 

King James Bible

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold,it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

 

Introductions: day one

Pilgrim wakes with lots of energy. After eating and 'outing' he is busy with his toys! And he wants interaction! Today i gave it to him . At eight we left the house and made a quick loop of the neighborhood, at home he watered and relieved. Then we went to the grocery store, another route. LaniJo taught us to shop in Sandy at Fred Meyer. Dan precedes the cart drawing it along the aisle, Pilgrim heels and we follow behind the cart. We had a successful shopping experience.

I mostly don't want to add too much too fast.

Baby is tuckered out:-) he's met a lot of people in the first 24 hours:

Neighbors: Doris

Diane mercede and itsy

Sue and mindy

Son Joe

Bartender Rosie

Brother Mike and sidter in Law Nancy

Yoga student Cheron

Neighbor Helen

We are home

i was exhausted and emotional following my public speaking stint in the graduation ceremony. It was good good to step into the comfort of our home. Pilgrim sniffed here and there and made himself at home. He quickly discovered a basket of toys and gleefully explored each one.

On the other hand i sat amid this scene crying like a mother who had just returned from the hospital with a new baby! Overweight from eating at GDB and unreasonably overwhelmed. Having a big white golden retriever who is so full of Life and all the responsibility for keeping him in perfect 'working order'.

I had a glass of wine (which didn't help) with my dinner and we fell asleep together on the floor amid the toys. I longed for my Mother to talk me through this. 

When we awoke it was still a very warm afternoon and i bathed to refresh and dressed. Pilgrim and i took a stroll down our lovely parkway experiencing up and down curbs, formal turns and working around obstacles. Then Pilgrim relieved himself and we returned home. 

Laura Schissell stopped by to meet him and he greeted her enthusiastically with a toy in his mouth! When she left i asked him to sit stay at the front door which he  did:) in stellar fashion. He is GRAND!

I felt better too;)

Last Day at GDB class 250

We are also known as the Sunshine Class: no rain gear was issued:) also we are a very cohesive class, full of cheer.

This morning we all sat together around a snug round table. They have requested three at each table, to give our dogs space. By today, our dogs are all minding us and they know who they are!  So we choose to rally around the breakfast table and  enjoy one last mea as a family. The instructor and nurse were so intrigued that a photo was taken.

I woke up sad. Being with my group helped ne to see the bigger picture. and enjoy being Present right here, right now.

In the morning we shopped for gifts and cards for our puppy raisers,. As much as mine would like to be here, she couldn't quite swing the trip from Utah in the time alotted. I found a card for her. I chose to biy gifts for my classmates as they all have flights home on Sunday. And a pineapple truffle for my half Polynesian husband:-)

This final evening we are walking the Oregon Trail and listening to the sounds of silence.

A descriptive movie awaits us at 7:00, and the suggestion of popped corn ,

I am still sad at the thought of leaving these new friends and returning to my life. So many transitions!

I am tired and sore with stress, i will be happy to be home with Pilgrim, my wonderful Dog tomorrow��

A Great Dog

I am so Grateful for Pilgrim and all the positive reinforcement we've received these last few weeks. Finished with all our Downtown Portland routes, and we're off to the Country!

Pilgrim's Puppy Raiser reports!

2+2
Putting 2 and 2 together led to the conclusion that Pilgrim was now Suzy's Guide Dog. I could not be more excited to have a fellow blogger continue to share the life of Pilgrim.

Pilgrim looks so amazing in his harness! Beauty and Brains. Isn't that what the Golden Retriever is supposed to possess? Congratulations, Pilgrim. You did it!

Congratulations, Suzy. A match made in heaven! How does Guide Dogs for the Blind always find that perfect someone for our sweet puppies? Love it. :)
Stefanie at 6:00 AM
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Pilgrim and I

We love to break out of our prescribed routine to frolic. Not that we are rule breakers! We like to head to the free run and then the. Forest primeval to breathe and stretch as soon as the work day is finished!
We equally enjoy going over to Dyson and Laura Ann's room for 'cocktail' hour. We have bird apps on our iPhones and tweet away, seeing which birds fly in for a closer look. This seems to amuse our dogs too.
After we tire of our very enjoyable nature distractions and the boys have a controlled tussle, we head to the dining room with the other girls for what we call 'High Tea'. Sometimes they serve us, or we wait for dinner service, depending on how early we arrive:-)
O
ur guides are content to snooze at our feet:) of course they eat first and are ready to settle.
This is the best part of the day, although we are learning a lot, its always goof when the work is done.

Safe with Pilgrim

Tonight we had night route. . .
that would have terrified me at one time. We waited until 8:00 to load the van. by 8:30 we were settled in the lounge. they called the totally blind people first: we went last. A cup of coffee helped keep us alert. After dark i have no vision and i need to relax, breathe and trust Pilgrim. After dark the shadows deepen and the sounds are more echoey. We aced it!
Lani Jo said, "you were awesome! You should always be that relaxed;)
Indeed! I enjoyed letting go !

Today, traffic checks in Gresham: that little Toyota Preuss did not run over My Dog;! We can scoot and stop on a dime"

Now back to GDB for our final veterinarian appointments. Then lunch;)

We are all looking forward to the Massage Therapist's visit tonight. Aaah

Portland Town

Also known as Stump Town!
A good ride in from Gresham, teacher told us how her home was broken into and ransacked. Three of her violins were stolen!
We parked and found our way to the lounge on Taylor at Third. It's very stylish.
Our route with Lani Jo was fun. Ride a bus, get off, hop on MAX get off, put the booties on Pilgrim, find some escalators,
Ride up and down, find revolving doors and spin through those. Relieve and head upstairs for lunch.
It was a potato, cucumber and radish salad with a creamy tarragon dressing. This vegan overlooked that detail:-/ and even ate the freshly made whole wheat dinner roll. I was anxious to share the lemon cookie. John is twice as big and we all get the same chow.
A ride home in the afternoon heat, found the dogs in a puppy pile all melty. They we could have been seriously injured if teacher hadn't swerved onto the shoulder
To get us away from a big red impatient truck who decided to accelerate and change lanes , for no obvious reason. I saw it coming!
At the fas station she drilled us on homework questions.
Home at last to water and relax, then head to the free run to play.
Theres time to feed the doggie before dinner and our night route at 8:00.
Why did i wake up at 4:00 a.m.?
To see my Pilgrim;) i think coffee for dinner might be the ticket.

Playtime:)

Each time Pilgrim goes out to the curb to relieve on the turnaround pavement, he stands fixated on the enclosed play area. Its probably 30 x 30 feet and is enclosed by a 6' cyclone fence.
Even when u take him into my private patio for grooming, he goes to the door as looks longingly in the direction of the free run!
All week i have wanted to satisfy that longing by sliding out of the prescribed activity and release him to run!
After working at the mall; riding escalators in little booties and accommodating that head harness, doing overhead clearances and reviewing the clicker work, it was time;)
Since the instructors have gone home until Monday we all are needing some play time.
It was the most fun we've had!

Sunday

I keep waking up early:-/ excited to see this Young man Pilgrim!
Breakfast was served in the Vending machine room quite early. Fresh blueberry and banana muffins, coffee and orange juice.
I freshened up and Pilgrim and i sat on the patio which just looks like 'jail'. Each room has an adjoining patio where our dogs can relieve and we people can hang out. John and i are getting acquainted. My boy loves to watch the birds flit about the arborvitae
A couple came for me at 9:30 and we went to Immanuel Church in Sandy. It was so good to sing and pray and receive communion. I wept and felt slightly brittle to be training so hard this last week and apparently with nothing to do today it was safe to release all that tension.
Pilgrim and I are becoming closer each day, beginning to relax together and find common gait and play and work styles. I am SO happy giddy with him; his 'word' is 'Magnificent'. ( as in Eat Love and Pray)
After church mire waiting. Dan arrived with a fresh lilac bouquet right on time to meet our golden boy. After showing off a lot;)), we left him with an instructor and drove to Gresham to experience some of the shops we pass on our daily route. Lunch at Boccelli's! Was just what i needed my honey and a glass of Sangiovese.
It was hard to say good bye to Dan when the time came.
I made some tea and pilgrim and i went to the free run to play, and took a walk on the Oregon Trail. We didn't expect the overhead clearances to be up but we worked them! 3 out of 4 were perfect:)
Laura Ann and i sat with our pups in the dun and she played her Bird App. tweeting to the resident birds who responded enthusiastically.
Dan calked to say my dog is a goofball which is just what i was praying for. One big pawed purfectly furry canine companion to love and guide me!
It was a an extraordinary day in May. Our family is complete!

So much!

We have come so far so fast in a weeks time. I am thankful for last night's deep sleep, the best rest so far:)
In meditation early early early this morning, the 23rd Psalm popped into my head. " thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, " and it took on an extraordinary new meaning!
Waking up with Pilgrim is wonderful. He still sleeps on tie down and that allows him longer rest and me freedom to know he's at ease and i am 'free to move about the cabin' , showering and readying to greet him in a focused and unhurried manner:) always a hug and cuddle time.

Our first lecture was dog distractions. Anything that takes your dog's focus off his guide work. I explained how sometimes i just freeze and can't respond. A classmate asked if i had ever been bitten by a dog and i suddenly began weeping: yes! That was helpful.
We had plenty of distractions on the morning routes and i did much better knowing the root of my fear.
Tonight my new dear classmate Laura Ann cane knocking on my door to offer me essential oils for my neck tension. I crossed to her room and she sensed I could use some cranial sacral work. As i laid on my back i felt energy surges in my left ankle and then the calf. It was very near where i was bitten!
Meanwhile my cd player is spinning tonight's homework, Leaving Your Dog Alone. I wonder if Pilgrim was listening.
We've got that one down;)
Fast asleep.

In Confidence

The trainers shared with me that Pilgrim was in a class a few weeks ago and it didn't work out:-/
We were sitting at the Jazzy Cafe to review our route which went very well;)
I recounted how a few Saturdays ago i was sitting around with DanO. And it occurred to me. . . I must call GDB. I knew it was the weekend and they would be closed! But my instinct was so strong, i called and left a message with Amy.
"I just want to make sure that my record is clear on this:) i want a Golden if there is a chance of one 'appearing' who would work with our lifestyle."
Well here we Are!

Spring

What a crisp beautiful morning here on the mountain. I love the trees and birds and wide quiet open spaces of this campus:)
Relieving our dogs in sequence.
Lining up,
" leaving door one"
"Leaving door two"
"At the curb"
Six white canes tapping time and six labradors stride alongside, evenly spaced so no collisions occur between the sightless . A jolly group of sojourners! We all get along and are learning so many new things and encouraging one another. All these wonderful dogs, trainers, nurses and handlers make each day a Dance of Delight.
Early Today i practiced my right turns as a dancer would, so each command for a right turn would flow without a thought. Then i added
1. Position ( body relative to dog.)
2. Probe ( with left foot for curb.)
3. Praise ( pat dog and scratch ears!)
4. Pop it (slide a kibble to dog's mouth.)
The nurse said, 5. Perfection!"
She follows us on our routes to ensure safety and first aid. She takes blood pressures and reads blood sugars at lunch.

When the yoga teacher cancelled Mr Pup and i stepped in. A first yoga class for you know WHO! Yoga is so soothing for dogs and people t00:)

P has been my favorite letter for as long as I can remember! I have a Pinterest board for the letter P!
I'd better post a picture of my boy there now.
Good night All

The Hardest Part

My most difficult moments here are in the dining room. I am sorting through this.
The chef is very popular and most people are raving about the meals.
I am looking for the root of my discontent:)
Certainly i came prepared.
Certainly i expected to be flexible.
Certainly i can ask for what i need.

And thats partly it. I can't ask. I feel embarrassed to ask without full disclosure. During my home interview i explained to Malinda that i had chosen a plant based, nutrient dense diet to lower my LDL cholesterol . She recommended this campus of GDB because they could tailor meals to my needs. Okay!
I knew i would shun the pastries and opted to bring dark chocolate, almonds and banana chips for my healthy nibbles.
Okay back to my perceived problem ( as my neck muscles start to pinch with anxiety).
I don't eat animals, eggs, dairy or white rice, bread or pasta. I am good with anything else. I want nutritious Bang for my buck!
And admit to being attached to my exceptional health. I am disciplined and I choose Health!
Why need i apologize?
Why need i explain?
Why need i educate?
Here i have a meat option or vegetarian option. Everything comes with cheese!
I brought almond milk but why would i pour it over pepperjack cheese grits ?
This 'ordering' sequence only takes place at dinner then the chef exquisitely describes the options to me and i ask is that whole grain? Is that high in sugar? Is there dairy in that? Aargh
My table mates look away at their pile of beef nuggets and white bread.
I am trying to make good choices and relax about all of this but it's such an injustice to feed blind people, often overweight, this food.
To there credit every meal begins with a small dish of lovely greens and grated carrot salad.
I am loving the cadhew tamari dressing;)

Woot Woot

I was pretty shaky this morning after a few hours on unrest due to my anxiety over what the new day would bring.
The teachers avoided my inquiring gaze. I was anticipating bad news and struggled to maintain my faith and focus to be a part of my team:)
We settled into the Gresham lounge and began our routes. I did well and started to soften, feeling encouraged:)
Pausing at a corner, Lani Jo said," go ahead cross." For some reason i froze. I couldn't find the words so i stood there frozen.
A van zoomed up into the crosswalk. Startling me to attention!
The window was down and a voice said," i've got a Surprise for you when you get back at the lounge!" It was Jim, the Class Supervisor.

A Funny Thing Happened!

I was called aside for a private conference and told that i was not in Trouble:)
The dog they had chosen for me became ill this weekend. And there was a second dog that would be equally an Great
Match.
They said 'thee' dog chosen may have a virus and the loose stool would be followed by 3 days of hives. And Benadryl so it wouldn't be uncomfortable:)
Which would make it unable to work... And they could drive me home tomorrow if this chain of events unfolded.
Being Patient i said, " no worries", (i'll be praying for my dog to get well.) and practice with my class without a dog.

So stand by for an announcement: name, breed and lineage! Soon a knock on the door, but dogless in Boring.

Arrivals

Well We're all unpacked. We have been read the Code of Conduct and it turns out that possession of firearms are cause for immediate dismissal! I do hope my matches will not be confiscated. Are we not called to be 'A Light on a Hill"?

The yoga mats are standard issue and the massage therapist comes on Wednesday. She charges a dollar per minute. It seems like a Hotel so far. Maybe that was what i was thinking when I did not pack shampoo. Well Nurse Mary drove to Freddy Meyer to buy some for me. I may be mistaken for a crisp apple, I smell so fresh.

My classmates includes;
Loretta from Whitefish, Montana
Tom from Sacramento, California
Jessica from Kansas City, Missouri
Laura Ann From Central Texas
And John who spends a half year in Anchorage, Alaska and the other half in
Sedona, Arizona.
Everyone is simultaneously tired and excited to meet our new guide dogs after lunch tomorrow:)

Dinner was good. I 'ordered' the vegetarian lasagna with a green salad. The chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce was a popular dessert option but i asked for an apple. I have a stash of almonds and endangered species chocolate bars in my private suite.

Now a cup of tea and a second lecture are in the plans.

We have been issued Victor Readers with embedded lessons, and a new leather. we got to look at the Swiss harness with removable handle.

I have added a second blanket to my bed and the alarm is set for a good nights rest.

Blessings to All! Love, SuzyG

Tribute to Mirage

"We'll always have Paris and I'll Always have Mirage" in my Heart. What a super dog! Her beautifully tapered smooth black head and chocolate brown eyes that brought me such comfort, As I got used to the idea of being visually impaired. And then found Pride going everywhere with her.
She was perfect. In obedience and attentiveness, in her quiet watchful countenance, in her ability to drop her weight and turn inward for a nap. When playing tug of war and i said 'Drop it", no hesitation. Then a soft thump and a sit.

She loved waking up and bounding to the utility room with a scant backwards glance. She kept her eyes on me all day ling, anticipating my every move. And like a clock, crawled onto her bed as the sun set. She flatly refused to get up on
The furniture even when i tried to lift her into my lap for a snuggle.
Our walks together were often the same routine, she loved routine! Yet with her keen sense of awareness, always an adventure.

I am going to get a successor dog this afternoon at Guide Dogs for the Blind. My vision continues to deteriorate. I plan to be a more grateful trainee. I plan to eat the vegetarian food with eggs and cheese to the best of my ability, even thou i prefer a plant based diet.
I plan to be Present as i train with this new pup; i'll pause to collect and focus.

This new dog is pre Loved and has a family somewhere who has lovingly raised her from a puppy and trustingly returned her to GDB so she might become Mine.

This dog will not be a 'Mirage', but equally intriguing. I long to meet and honor this new union and I bring most of my Heart. Mirage will always have a Special Place right here.

The Pink Dog

I dreamt last night, that the Time had come. I was in the office at Guide Dogs for the Blind and three dogs lay side by side before me. One by one my classmates were awarded their dogs. The First pink dog to one and the second pink lab to another; then it was just me and the golden! I met my new Guide, and when it stood up i was surprised. It was a very odd looking animal , i would sat 'Funny Looking' to be polite.
I am reminded not yo get attatched to a particular outcome.
Yes i asked for a funny dog and a golden would be my choice based only on looks and touch and a past history of interactions with Redsy my childhood dog andI Owen my friend's lovely pet we looked after at times:)
So in retrospect i would love a Pink Dog too:)

This poem by TS Eliot sums it up!
I said to my soul, be still, and wait without hope
For hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love
For love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faith
But the faith and the love and the hope are all in the waiting.
Wait without thought, for you are not ready for thought:
So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.

~ T.S. Eliot

An offer

Mari, Mirage's adoptive mother is going away for a much needed vacation! She has asked if I choose to have Mirage next week. Well yes, i do.
So much happening and again, 'nothing' so important i cannot accommodate my friend M!
She can go anywhere i choose to go since i have her harness. I won't work her as a guide dog however.
I guess i am unsure about this. Post retirement conundrum.
Well i've figured it out, whew. She'll be here Monday through Thursday and then i go awaY for more reflexology training on Friday:) that was my conflict!

I'm going to go!

Dear Susan:

This letter is to confirm your place in our upcoming Oregon two week training program which begins Sunday, April 28 and graduates Saturday, May 11, 2013. We understand you will be arriving to the campus by car. Please plan on arriving between 2 and 4 PM on April 28 and go to the dormitory. An instructor or staff member will be in the dormitory to greet you and show you to your room. A map with directions is included for your convenience.

We previously sent you 8 CDs, containing class lecture material. Please review all the material before you come for training on April 28, and also bring the CDs with you for reference while in training.

There is a private phone in your room for your use while you are here in training. If you want your private phone number prior to your arrival, please call 1-800-295-4050, on Friday, April 26, and ask for the Admissions Department.

We are looking forward to Seeing you again soon!


Best Regards,

Amy Vander Vennet
Admissions Coordinator
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Avandervennet@guidedogs.com
1(800) 295-4050 X. 4010


Guide Dogs for the Blind
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Celebrate the remarkable bond between humans and dogs.
Your generosity can change someone's life!

Give online at www.guidedogs.com/donate today!

Another Threshold!

Missing my Dog

Sometimes as I sit quietly in the pre dawn Light my nose tingles and I hear a sniff, I miss my dog.
I am being carried by a deep current of Passion to become a reflexologist. In Oregon, I would BE one now! In Washington, a new law takes effect on July 1, 2013 that requires a state license. And an examination by the National Reflexology Certification Board. So enter world renowned Bill Flocco, who offers a series of four three day intensive s to bring all who want to practice, up to speed!
Having made it through the first weekend, I am quite sure that going away to train with a new dog and going back into another intense weekend will be too much for me and 'Junior'. The eleven hour days left me starving and exhausted , with more homework due by the dawn's-early light.
I am asking Bill if this will be the norm.and calling GDb to discuss my options:(
July will be the first breather for me.

Another visit with Ragi Roo

This time things were different. My perspective employer cancelled my work day. So I called Beloved Mari to ask about spending time with Mirage. She and Michael are hauling soil this afternoon and although M is fine waiting in the cab of the truck, she offered me this four hour window of time.
I accepted.
Mirage arrived and went to her bowl as anticipated. She lay in the hallway hopefully.
After a while I gave her a handful of kibble and we left for a walk. A long walk. It was so enjoyable. She sniffed curiously. We stopped to visit a friend, recently widowed.
Once home, she ate and dropped into a placid repose. I was able to sit close and watch. Her energy dissipated, she placed her paw upon my hand in acknowlegement of our long union. That felt good, I sensed she also longed for Mari to return.
I pruned roses as she dozed. When she was ready to pee we crossed the street. Diane came out to greet our visitor! Just then The silver car wheeled around the corner. Mirage followed my gaze., her head and ears alert, eyes recognizing The car! She sat, intent on the silver car. It stopped, the door opened And, out stepped Mari!
I released the leash looking left and right before allowing her to bound across the street to her smiling mistress.
Mirage sat attentively at the cardoon, totally fixed on Maris face!
When the back door was opened and blanket arranged, Mirage bounded into place. She looked from my face to Mari's and back again. Is this correct? Am I going with you?
Oh, such sweetness, devotion and love!
I was left to contemplate the energy of the missing dog. The house felt better, I felt transformed by her stay.
I can tell you, I need a dog;) on many levels. The earth and her animals are gifts from Above.

Moving forward

I am moving forward, but not the way anticipated. I've changed my Class assignment three times. My eagerness to Return to GDB on St Patricks Day for the 'green dog' was short lived. When I realized My licensure as a Reflexologist came first, and I couldn't miss the first of four three day trainings.
I threw up my arms in alarm, cancelled and accepted a placement in June, truncating my last class and the coveted bill Flocco American Academy Certification.
When sanity returned to me, I called to request a class placement that would allow for all four trainings and a two week retreat to receive a new Guide dog.
Too much newness too Fast! I was reeling.
A new dog
A new business venture on Main Street
A new 200 hours of Reflexology methodology!
At 63 this seemed daunting. Something had to shift!
Thankfully I am able to prioritize and have a supportive husband and circle of friends to hold me as I move ahead.
I miss my dog.

Dog sitting

Three weeks have passed. Mari wrote to ask if I'd like to see Mirage. . . . Hmmmm.
I was Afraid I would cry! I wondered about my feelings. "Am I moving from Love or Fear", is a good way to ferret out the truth:) Obviously fear was my pathway. So I decided to move from Love! What a better outcome: I will let her know All is well and show her how much I will Always cherish her.
I was happy to greet them and eager to feed and walk her while Mari shopped for groceries at New Seasons.
Mari told me she thinks Mirage is so Smart! I loved hearing how their day is. Waking at 6:45, showering, hair are and dressing , THEN Mirage is fed and they go out. A ride through Starbucks for a cup and a doggy treat, then settling in at work until noon is standard! Mirage's clock is set precisely for each event as scheduled;) I loved that clock of hers too;)
When Mari returned Mirage gazed up at her, there was no backward glance:) she did however return to her Guide work, waiting at the top step for a kibble from Mari. Mari probably said, "Silly Dog, hop in the car;)" she did and off they sped.
That's when the tears fell.
It is so different without her.

Retirement

The day arrived and with it a large carrot carrot cake from Whole Foods , guests and pet dogs and Mari, holding a leather leash. That caught my eye!
I laughed easily and enjoyed each moment of Mirage being Adored. Then the last guest said good bye and it was Mari, Mirage and Me.
Crying, I couldn't think beyond my grief to Thank Mari for providing a loving home for our Girl, I just sobbed and watched them drive awAy:-(

Feeling Okay

Too busy yesterday to memorize every hair on Mirages body. she has a patch of white on her left foreleg i will count the hairs:)
Such difficulty sleeping for a fee days too.
We had a nice walk at dusk as the earthquake rumbled. Such a sweet time of the day. Sharing a dinner and laying together breathing palpation after heart palpation. Heart to heart.
Looking forward to the party. All the shopping is complete:)
Have a photographer now!

Yoga

After a big evening of yoga and 'opening our gills' clearing out the germy Winter goo we inviite our hearts to open to the Beauty all around!
There was practically a receiving line of all the students who longed to pat my dog and give her silky head a kiss. For seven years the 'hands off' policy has been in effect:)
Mirage unflappable as ever, accepted their well wishes , as a tear or two escsped my face.
Mirage ever faithful watches for the CVan bus that will carry us home as I sing"My Girl! talking bout my girl!, I have sunshine on a rainy day. When its cold outside, i have the month of May..."
Love, sincerely, Suzy