A few bumps in the road...heartbroken

As I sit and write this blog entry, my heart is heavy.  Today, the decision was made to pull Duke from the school program. 

(Take a deep breath) Duke is a wonderfully magnificent dog.  Duke is loving, silly, comforting, and understanding.  Unfortunately, my students will never get to see this side of him.  Duke did well bonding within our family and did well working in the general public, but has not adjusted well  to the school setting.  We believe he was first spooked when a child snuck up behind him and grabbed his tail.  Things went downhill from there.  Another child stole his treats and tried to antagonize him and get him to bite/bark/chase.   Once these events took place, Duke had a hard time forgetting them and became more and more withdrawn.  I could tell over the last several days that he just wasn't happy at school.  He began to hide when he saw children and even some adults.   

While I am upset at having to let go of Duke, I know that this is what is best. 
1.  This is what is best for my students, they need a positive experience with a dog more than excited to see them.
2.  This is what is best for Duke, he needs a working environment where he feels safe and welcome. 
3.  This is what is best for whichever child or adult with a medical need gets him next, Duke is a very loving dog with lots of attention to give to someone in need.
4.  I wish I could say that this is what is best for my family and myself, but I'm just not there yet!  YES!  There are tears(ugly crying) and heartbreak.  I promise you that no one needs to see our family tonight. We are heartbroken.  We are spending our time loving Duke and cherishing our time with a dog who has taught us a lot in his short time with our family.  After the loss of Buddy in May, we weren't sure we would want another dog for awhile, but we treated Duke's arrival as "Fate".  And at this point, "Fate" has another plan for him.  As for myself, I am not sure what my fate will be with the school program.  I have been asked to consider another dog in a few months.  I will keep my heart and mind open and make a decision when the time comes.

As I close my final entry on Duke, I would like to leave you with a few thoughts.

1.  Service dogs are not pets.  They are performing a duty to their handler.  Please do not distract or try to pet them without permission.  This COULD mean the difference in life or death.  If you are told no or passed by service dog without acknowledgement, just go with it....their not there for you anyway.

2.  Show and teach your children respect for animals.  Animals have feelings too.  They don't want to be bullied.  They want to be loved.

3.  Healthy dogs are happy dogs.  Exercise and diet are way more important than you think.

4.  Just like your children, every dog is different.  Personalities can vary greatly.

5.  Rescued dogs are the best!  They have so much love to give.  If you are not willing to return that love, get a cat! haha!

Certification and Graduation

Duke and I spent this weekend training and passing a certification test along with other service dogs and their handlers.  We were very fortunate to have a wonderful trainer named Beth.  Beth is a former inmate of the prison where Duke was initially trained.  Beth's skills and knowledge in training are superb.  Beth told us how training service dogs has and continues to change her life.   Throughout the weekend, Beth had myself and others in tears several times.  She spoke of a less than wonderful childhood where she did not feel love or acceptance.  During this time in her life, she made choices that ultimately ended in her losing her freedom.  It was in prison where she became a part of a service dog training program.  She was credited with being one of the first trainers.  Through the program she learned life skills, coping mechanisms, and ultimately found the love and acceptance that she craved.  What I found most inspiring about Beth is that upon her release from prison, she continues to gives back to others through her works with Service Dogs Alabama.

I should have known just by looking around that I would be an emotional wreck at graduation.  As recipients stood and shared how their dogs have changed their lives, the tears started flowing.  When my husband joked on me for crying on stage, I responded that, "How could I not?  They put my favorite things together.... dogs mixed in with teaching, great kids, and Veterans."  A final question was asked to all on stage, "Did you get the dog you need/matched personality/right for you?"  I knew everyone would raise their hand, but as I looked around(their were pictures of handlers with their dogs) I saw it was really true.  I saw a little girl with poodle(sparkly collar included) and a boy with a golden retriever on a paddle board in the water!  I saw grown men with large Labrador retrievers, and then their was me with Duke.  I do believe that Duke and I are meant to make a difference together.  My hope is inspired by Beth.  I hope that Duke and I will be able to offer love and acceptance to the children in our school and community.  I hope that this love and acceptance inspires them to do great things that make a positive impact on the world around them.

Check out all the press about graduation!

Service Dogs Alabama Graduation-WSFA news story

Service Dogs Saving Lives WAKA news story -See Beth's Interview

Service Dogs Pave the Way -Montgomery Advertiser article

Duke and his Batman bowtie

Some of the Elmore County Service dogs, their handlers(teachers),

Superintendent Dr. Harrison and Claire Moore