It was Judith's birthday yesterday. I can't believe she's 12 years old now! She still acts like she's 5 most days. We feel so lucky that she got to come live with us for the last almost-year.
In the last year, we have gotten "reacquainted" with the sweet black lab that stole our hearts 12 years ago. She's gotten quite a few new nicknames, and a few old ones have resurfaced ("Hey Jude" being a recent nickname, just try not to break out in song.) She's learned that while she is only allowed on the couch when she is invited, really she can't let an empty couch stay empty while we aren't home. She's also figured out all my hiding spots when playing "Hide and Go Seek" (Her VERY favorite game).
We love her happy wagging tail that greets us every time we walk in the door.
We love how excited she gets when she gets to go on a car ride, and how she fools people at puppy class into thinking she's a little old lady that doesn't ever wake up.
We love how when you get close enough to pet her she rolls right over for a belly rub... and if you stop she will "gently" remind you with her paw.
We love how if you aren't giving her enough attention, she will remind you and nudge her nose onto your lap.
I got an email from Judith's person, Ruth yesterday. It was so sweet and possibly made me get a little teary eyed- okay, A LOT teary eyed. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Ruth over the last 10 years. This is one of the reasons I raise... not only does GDB give a blind person independence, but they change so many other lives- Mine included. Thank you GDB for doing such a great job, and this is an example of how you are changing lives:
Dear Judith
Today is a special day for you as it is your 12th
birthday. You have been a special dog all your life. First you
learned your obedience and socialization from Mickelle and she sure did a good
job. Then you went back to GDB to learn to be a guide. You did so
well they chose you to be a breeder which is the best of the best and they sent
you down to San Rafael. But you must have decided you didn't want to be a
breeder so never did come in heat again. When you were about 2 years old
they sent you back to the Oregon campus to be a guide. A month later I was
ready to graduate and they chose you for me. It was love at first
site. We worked as a team for 9 fabulous years and then it was time for
you to retire.
I had to go back to the Oregon Campas to train for a new
puppy. I brought home another little black lab named Kalissa, but I called
her Lissa. I tried so very hard to keep both of you but it was more that I
could do. So I had to make the hard decision to let you go. I was so
happy when Mickelle wrote to me and said she wanted you back. It would be
full circle, you began and would have your retirement years with your puppy
raiser. What a blessing for you and for me too to know you would be with
someone who loved you as much as I did.
Now you have been with Mickelle for one year and you are 12
years old now. Mickelle tells me you are doing wonderful and that you are
assisting her as an assistant puppy raiser. What a full and complete life
you have lived as a GDB puppy, as a guide and now a retired lady still doing
your job well.
You were my heart dog, Judith, and you will always be in my
heart forever.
I love you precious Judith,
Ruth and my little Lissa
We sure love this special, sweet little black lab.
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| A friend said that this is Judith's "come hither" look. |
