This is a tough week for me. It's the last of the lasts. The last weekend with Talos. The last Sunday, the last Monday, the last Tuesday…you get the picture.
Yesterday was difficult for me. I had just enough free time to think about the implications. I cried a few times.
But today's a new day.
And I hate to be the girl who ruins the remaining time we have together by thinking about how sad I'll be once Talos is at Service Dogs of Virginia.
I'll have plenty of time to be sad. I need to be happy. My T is still here, right now.
I need to be a glass half full girl.
Which I am. Usually. So I gave myself a little lecture this morning and decided that I'd have to just make myself be optimistic. Optimistic's better than pessimistic. It makes me happier to be optimistic.
So here's what I've come up with in my glass-half-full vision:
- Talos will love this new adventure: new dog-friends to meet and play with; new human-friends who will love him silly.
- Lots of new things to learn. His mind will be utilized to the fullest!
- Plenty of outings in public. No one loves being out in public more than Talos!
- Going back means he's one step closer to becoming a service dog – he'll change someone's life!
A couple other pluses:
- No more slobber hanging from the lights or the walls.
- There won't be any banging on the pantry door at 7:00a, 12:00p, and 5:00p — reminding me that it's feeding time.
- The toilets will always be full – Talos won't use them as water bowls.
- I'll have my entire half of the bed back!
If I keep repeating these things, maybe I can keep that glass half-full… Or not.
My heart goes out to you, Laurie. Your list is a great encouragement to stay positive, but I know this week will be desperately difficult.
Hang in there, and know there are a lot of people out here thinking about you and wishing you strength and happiness as you send Talos out into the world to make more lives even more amazing!
Amanda, thanks for the kind words. I’m trying to stay positive, just for a few more days! After he goes, I can collapse into a little temper tantrum and crying fit because my big boy’s back at school. I’ll alternate between being very proud and feeling very sorry for myself. 😉 Maybe we’ll have to have lunch together so we can talk Redskins or something!
Box of tissues,, thanks Laurie. Baby steps…
😉
I’m so very proud of the work you do, and the way you FEEL so deeply about the dogs who you help “get ready” to do their important work. Talos is going to be a special part of someone’s life, someone who would otherwise have had a much more empty existence. Only very special people understand dogs to this level, and see their potential as much more than beloved pets. Talos would not be the incredible creature he is without your involvement. Go ahead and cry it out. You are surrounded by your other canine spirits, and will be again, many times. This is why I’m proud to know you.
Hang in there! I am thinking of you.
I have been following your blog for a bit now.
As a mother to a child that has a disabilty I applaud all the hard work that you put into these service dogs.
As a owner of a Great Dane I also understand how hard it would be to give them up. I wish you the best of luck with your new transtion.
Thank you!