Emotional Day

One my dear friends (actually I claim him as a brother)is blind and has a guide dog. Actually, he has had 4 over the years (this current one being #4). I wasn't blessed to know the first two. However, I knew #3, Landy, a golden retriever/yellow lab mix. My friend had to retire Landy in February of this year. We gave Landy a retirement party at the office, I had tears streaming. I was crying for myself and for my friend having to give up such a true partner. But it was the best for everyone, yet it was still sad for all of us.

My friend went back to Guidedogs for the Blind as he had done three times before and came back about a month later with a beautiful golden retriever, Pascal. Pascal is a wonderful dog and companion for my firend, and we are growing to love him as we did Landy.

But, what got me to this post: Landy came to visit us at the office. Landy has a WONDERFUL retirement home in the Texas Hill country. His new owner was a college friend of my friend. She was on her way to visit her parents in Little Rock, Arkansas and stopped by to have lunch with us. Landy remembered us and, of course remembered his long time companion. We can tell Landy is happy and loves his new Mom. He has put on a few pounds but looks so good. Bitter sweet for all of us at the office.

I'm sure when the time comes to retire Pascal, it will be just as hard for all of us. My friend feels so blessed to have guidedogs. They have given him the independence and confidence he might not otherwise have had. Truly one of God's blessings.