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   Once these events took place, Duke had a hard time forgetting them and became more and more withdrawn.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!