AUSTIN - He's My Hero

Submitted to: http://www.ruledbypaws.ca/2012/06/assistance-dog-blog-carnival-call-for-submissions/      for blog carnival.

I will be the first to admit that I never expected it to be this way. I didn't expect to be so attached to an animal. I mean, come on, I grew up w/ dogs all my life. I raised them from puppies and spent restless summer afternoons running in the dirt and sun w/ them, cried when they died, and attempted to make sure they had a proper burial. They were well loved, well fed, cared for and spoiled - But they were pets. They were dogs.

But, AUSTIN is NOT a dog. AUSTIN is not a pet. AUSTIN works every day and has earned his place in my home, the food in his bowl, and the bed, pillow, and blanket in which he slumbers. AUSTIN is the partner of one RCY. Together they are a team, and together they can go anywhere. That alone means so much. B/c of AUSTIN, R. has freedom and mobility again that he didn't have with the white cane. B/c of AUSTIN I have a little more peace of mind when I am not with R. B/c of AUSTIN, R. wasn't hit by a van 2 weeks ago. B/c of Austin, R. makes it home safely w/o a scratch every time he ventures out. AUSTIN was the one who curled up on the floor next to R., scared and worried when he passed out on the floor, while I was at work and none the wiser. AUSTIN takes care of my man when I can't. AUSTIN is an extension of my husband and is therefore, an extension of me.

I didn't realize the impact AUSTIN had on both R. and I until this past weekend. This weekend my oldest brother got married. Those of you who know LG know how he is, and for those of you who don't just understand that in many ways he is grossly uninformed but absolutely comfortable with that.

As is customary at weddings we were all getting ready to take a family picture. As R. and I are walking up, my brother informed me he didn't want "the dog" in the picture. To this I just look and Mom and said, "What!?" To which my mom restated, "He doesn't want Austin in the picture." Once I picked my jaw up, I was livid to the point of tears. But since it was his wedding day I gave him what he wanted. I held it together long enough to inform R., who was likewise appalled, make sure that AUSTIN was in the hands of a trusted friend, and take the necessary photos before I walked out and broke down out of anger, embarrassment, and disgust that my brother could be so insensitive (though admittedly knowing him I should know better). I realize that he may not be informed and educated on the etiquette of what it means to have a guide dog. But to R. and me, it was like telling an amputee that you wanted them in your picture but they couldn't wear their prosthetic. We felt like LG was saying, yea you're family but I'm ashamed that you're blind. It was at that point that R. and I both realized just exactly what AUSTIN meant to us both, which for me was a shocker.

I knew that it would be a huge impact to our lives. I knew that having a Leader Dog would not be like having a normal dog and that it would come to mean so much more. But I wasn't expecting this type of reaction from myself, especially after so short a time.

So to all friends and family, you should know - AUSTIN is a member of our family. To deny AUSTIN is to deny us. If AUSTIN is with us, which he usually is, and you want to take a picture; AUSTIN will be in it or you'll just have to take the picture from waist up or crop him out yourself. From here on out, I don't care if it's your wedding or not, that's how it will be. If you don't like it, don't invite us. That's just how I see it.

Service animals aren't pets, they are partners w/ the person for whom they service and are valuable beyond measure. Service animals and their humans are a team and together they are both empowered. Remember that next time you see someone w/ a service animal. I'd be willing to bet, that service animal is as valuable to them as any person in their life. So consider that before you try to separate them for any reason, even if it is just for a picture.

I love my brother, but I am yet to see him put on a harness and guide my husband around all day to make sure he doesn't trip on a curb, run into a wall, or get hit by a car. AUSTIN on the other hand....well, he's my HERO.

I TOTALLY Understand How She Feels...

Funny thing is - that's usually exactly what happens.  I wanna come up out of my seat and R. is pullin' me back and telling me it's alright.  Normal life in a not so normal family.  lol.

Not Just Any 'Ole Dog...

Those of you who keep tabs are probably aware that this is the month that R. has been gone for his Leader Dog (LD) training.  He will return on the 27th (7 more sleeps) with our "new addition," Austin.  Austin is a 55 pound, 1.5 year old, yellow lab (pictured above) that was born April 15, 2010, which means he's a "tax baby."  R. has been in Michigan with him training for the last month so I haven't even gotten to meet him yet.  I will admit I'm excited about meeting this dog but above all I'm ready to have R. back home.  Needless to say I've missed him.  I am sure having a dog in the house is going to take some getting used to but like everything else I am sure I'll take it in stride and adjust in time. 

I am sure I will have stories of frustration as I adapt since I have never had a pet in the house before.  I grew up where animals were outside.  They had their accommodations but those were outside on the porch or in the barn and they weren't allowed in to dirty the house, Daddy and the boys did enough of that w/o adding an animal in the mix.  I have always rolled my eyes at people who said their dogs were like their children and come to the conclusion that they had either never had children or had neglected those they did have, feeling that if my mother have equivocated me to a dog I'd truly be insulted. 

I don't have children of my own yet, but I did nanny 2 boys for 5 years and can't imagine how the love for a child could equal to the love for a dog.  I know I have friends that this will apply to, and don't take it the wrong way or be offended, that's just the way I've always seen it, no disrespect.  But I say this knowing that I will, and already, have more respect for Austin than I have ever had for any of my pets. 

I have had some amazing dogs in my time.  Butch was the mighty protector, well behaved, and minded those he loved, and defended his truck (which he darn near killed for) like he would his owners.  Bossom was the honorable well trained bird dog that could do some amazing tricks and loved anyone that offered a scratch, pat, or honeybun.  Casper was a big 60 pound baby that hated to ride in the back of a truck but loved to ride in the front and thought I was Mama and he was my lap dog (you can imagine what a site that was).  Pudge had the might of an army and respected those who could command him, was as bouncy as any puppy with those who couldn't, and always blazed a trail around the farm for R. and I to make sure we got where we were going b/c he knew there would be a treat at the end.  But none of my amazing animals contributed anything more than a feeling of security and/or joy and pleasure of companionship to my daily life.  Which is important and wonderful in and of itself, but Austin has already proved that he will be a contributing member of the household and he's not even here yet.  He's not just a pet or a dog, he's a LEADER, he is an extension of my husband, a guide, protector from curbs, obstacles, cars, idiots, and mean spirited people, a saving grace, and his eyes.  His presence means more freedom and mobility for R. and less worry for me.  Amazing how one animal can be so many things.  I can't say that I will ever love him like I would a child but I can honestly say that I already see him much differently than I have any other animal I've ever cared for, and he will always have a special place in our lives that nothing and no one can replace.  I still have my concerns and reservations but I fell like those will be easy to get over with all things considered.   

But to my friends who see their dogs as their children.  Just remember when or if you have children, they may not be ok with you saying that the dog is also your child.  My prospective would be, "Jeez, I know I'm a bitch, but that doesn't mean I'm a dog."  Like the header says: It may not be what you want to hear, but it is my point of view.

Canada, Ohio, And All The Detours In Between

I realize it's been a while since I've posted but it's been a bit busy on this end of things. The summer was quite eventful to say the least. We went up to Canada to visit a few friends and had a blast. Did a little geocaching while we were there and just generally thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was very laid back and I got to see my boys that aren't so little any more.

After Canada we headed down to Ohio to visit family there.  Had a blast.  Again, very low key, no stress, kick back, relax, and enjoy ourselves and some good company kind of time.  Did a little more geocaching and found a few interesting things and places that we might not have otherwise found. 

I also got to introduce 3 members of the family to geocaching as well and they just loved it. 

So the day before we were to leave coming back home we were out caching and we went to search in a location that we suspected a cache to be.  While going down for a closer look I fell and broke my ankle extending the trip an additional week. 

Didn't exactly turn out the way we had hoped but we had fun anyway.  Being there an extra week meant that we got to be there for our niece's birthday so it was all good.

So even though our trip had a bump or two along the way, we enjoyed ourselves and those that were around us immensely. 

We've become quite accustomed to life's detours, which we have come to see as the scenic route.  This summer we also learned it is apparently no different when it comes to having children for us.  So it's going to be a while before you see such an announcement, but when we are finally blessed, it will allow us to cherish the experience that much more. 

Love, God

Below is an email I recieved from a friend that I wanted to share.  It surely put a smile on my face and a tear to my eyes.  How inspiring.


We don't know who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she passed away my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so, and she dictated these words:

                                
Dear God,


Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to swim and play with balls. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.


Love,
Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.  On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:


Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognized her right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.  By the way, I'm easy to find. I am wherever there is love.

Love,
God

Processing My Grief and Giving Thanks:

Today I found myself regularly returning to my computer screen to check my FB.  Addict you say?  Obsessed with FB you ask?  Bored with nothing else to do you assume?  All would be incorrect.  I found my mind constantly in prayer and thinking about the Shively family.  I kept returning hoping to catch the next update come across the screen.  Tears sprang to my eyes with empathy and understanding that can only be felt by someone who who has experienced sitting in the hospital not knowing what's wrong w/ your significant other and knowing that if they don't figure it out soon you might be returning home alone.  Today I was reminded of just how fortunate I was.  Sadly, my cousin Amanda wasn't as fortunate.  Today, she is forced to leave the bedside she has vigilantly sat beside and made to return home to explain things to her 2 young children and a huge void.  Her only hope is that Albie's organs are fit for donation.  Indeed a show of strength, bravery, and worthy of so much respect (as if those who know her didn't already know that).

So today, once again, I say thank you.  Thank you to a nurse cousin willing to do a little research and share the possibilities.  Thank you to an ER doctor willing to listen and take a harmless but life saving chance that it could be something so small as vitamins that could be easily replenished but would take days to late to get the lab results to prove it.  Thank you to nurses willing to listen and accept no when offering meds prescribed by an idiot doctor that had they been taken could have possibly put us right back in the same position for which we started.  Thank you to family and friends that supported us from day one.  Thank you to family and friends that continue to support us, offering help, assistance, a ride, an ear, or just simply a visit on occasion.  Thank you to family and friends who laugh with us about it all, even when those around us don't think it the least bit funny. 

Before finding out the extent of the problems Albie was having, I shot Amanda an email.  I cried writing it, I cry reading it, and I had no idea when I wrote it what would be coming.  It just reaffirms that God uses us sometimes, even when we don't realize it. 

  "...I know you're going crazy right now and getting sick of hearing everyone saying the same 'ole words but at the same time grateful you have the support of those around you. Just know that it doesn't matter how comforting the words or the people that it's ok to shed the tears and cry out to God. It's even ok to ask why. (as I'm sure you have many times already) But know that we all feel that way at some point and it's my opinion that God understands that too, so don't feel too guilty about it. Just keep the hope and faith that whatever God's will, is the same as our hope. But keep the faith that no matter what His will may be, He will carry you through to great blessings. I know it doesn't seem like it now and you may even roll your eyes a little at my words. But Robby and I are a living testament of that. It's a trial that I wouldn't wish on anyone but one that we have learned much from. I'm sincerely sorry that someone else in my family has to experience a similar trial and wish you only the same abundance of blessings to come. So it is with tear filled eyes that I write you with understanding, empathy, love, and above all else prayers. Know that we are here if you need us. Don't hesitate to call. We love you all."

Writing this I had no idea that Albie would be called home.  At the time I had hope, as we all had, that he would again pull through and live to ride the four-wheelers once more with his precious boys.  I had no clue that my words would ring so true and had hoped that it would only be applied to surviving the sterile walls of yet another hospital.  Unfortunately, my assumptions were very wrong.   

I am truthful when saying that through all the trials and losses, Robby and I have been greatly blessed.  God has shown his light in our lives and provided us the comfort of security that can only be found in Him.  So it is my sincere prayer that Amanda and her family find the peace, abundance of blessings, and faith in Christ through all of this so that they may once again know, feel, and experience joy in their lives on a daily basis. Thank you to those that have prayed, are praying, and will pray for the Shively family.   Please continue to lift them up in your prayers while realizing that it is true what they say: "Tomorrow is not promised us and today is a gift, that's why they call it the present."

Thank You Lord For You Blessings On Me!!!

As....You.....Wish.......

If only the Farm Boy knew the wisdom within those words:

I guess I grew up in a very different world.  Possibly in a time paradox all my own that seems to surpass any concept understood by few below the age of 25. I grew up with a blatant understanding that family would always let you know what their opinion was about something you said or did and if you didn't want their opinion you shouldn't have made what ever it was public.  However, I also always knew that I could always do my own thing and have my own opinion and no matter how much I screwed up and how different my opinion was from what my family though, they would still be there for me when I needed them. 

That being said; FB has become another way to both keep up and watch out for your family.  So for those overly opinionated or concerned family members there is the beauty of being able to limit what is viewed and by whom; which admittedly comes in handy.  I also understand that I am a very blunt person and not everyone is appreciative of that, but if you don't want my opinion on something, don't make it public.  So because I am so publicly honest I understand if a family member or even friend decides to limit what I may or may not view and admittedly, knowing some of my friends/family, I may even appreciate it. However, if you consider a person to be family or a friend you don't delete that person.  There are several reason for this both for yourself and that person.  You never know when something might happen and that said person might need to get in touch with you about something, or you might want to know what's going on with, let's say for example, your sick brother because everyone knows that when he's in the hospital the easiest way to get an update on when he's in/out of surgery or tests or whatever before you MAY decide to call is to check his wife's FB.  But if you have deleted said wife you may not be able to get information as easily.  It's also a huge slap in the face quite honestly. 

Maybe it's just me, but if someone I had to interact with on a regular basis, and who was family or considered themselves my friend, was to be so rude as to delete me I would give them what they wanted.  It would be assumed that if you deleted me, you have no interest in anything I have to say. Therefore, being the obligatory person I can be, you would no longer have to worry about hearing what I had to say.  In fact, you could probably hang up having just about any conversation with me for a while.  Admittedly I tend to stew on things, and it's not until things in my head have settled down to a simmer that it is even a good idea to consider approach.  So for those family/friends who no longer wish to hear what I have to say:  It's like my Papa Nichols always said, "I may not be able to do much for you, but if you just want to be left alone, I can definitely do that."  So consider it done.