I haven’t participated in the assistance dog blog carnival in…ohmygod…2 years? ish? But L-Squared caught my attention, just in the nick of time. When I looked at the theme, I thought something I was thinking of writing anyway would fit happily into that theme, so here goes. Wow, I made it into the carnival! Who thought that would be possible?
The theme is opportunity, and just a couple of weeks ago, I had a rare opportunity that I don’t think many of us get to have. I got to thank a woman for all her support of guide dogs, and let her pet my dog, in her final days.
Remember how I said my stepgrandpa isn’t doing well? Well, he has out-lived all the doctor’s expectations, to the point that the doctor was investigating sending him to a nursing home. Unfortunately, the doctor has turned around on that score…he started declining again. I don’t expect he has much time left at all…but we’ve been wrong before, so what the heck do I know?
At any rate, when I found out that he didn’t have long left, I decided I was coming home for the weekend so I could see him. It was a whirlwind weekend, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I got to see him, he remembered me, and we had a not bad conversation. I wasn’t used to his voice being so low and his trouble hearing…but it still was a visit, and good memories. Mom said that when you put recent visits on a scale, that was a good one.
Anyway, at one point I headed out in the hall when a man asked me if I could come into his mother’s room for a second. She was another patient at the hospice. He explained that she had been a strong supporter of guide dogs, and had donated to a school, I’m not sure which one, and it would mean a lot if she could see one at work. Well…that seems like a simple request. So I walked in.
The woman couldn’t speak, but she seemed overjoyed to see a guide dog. I didn’t know what to say, just said thank you for being so supportive of guide dogs, and that Tansy’s awesome…then I let Tansy snuggle up close to her so she could pet her.
I was nervous doing this, since Tansy can be a wild child. But she was ever so gentle. I think she kissed the woman and let her pet her. Then we left, and the man thanked me. He said that was a gift.
I have heard that woman has since passed away. It’s not often that I would get to do something so simple that seemed to mean so much. It’s rare that I get to thank a puppy raiser I happen to meet in my travels, let alone in these circumstances. I guess even these tough times can provide special opportunities.
I also got the opportunity to see the softer side of Tansy. I joked when I got her that she would never make a therapy dog in her old age because she’s so rambunctious. Perhaps I was wrong?
How amazingly special! I’m all choked up.
Darn, these onions are making my eyes water. Haha! Thank you so much for sharing about this wonderful opportunity.
Thanks guys. You’re sweet.
Later, my step grandpa passed away. I guess this post went up just 3 hours before he went.
What a heart-warming story. Condolences to you on your step grandpa. So nice of you to get to visit him. As for Tansy, well, she was just doing what’s natural, I think. Dog is “God” spelled backwards afterall! Thanks for sharing!
Wow, now that is an opportunity for sure. It’s so funny how life works out. Condolences on your step Grandpa.