DEAR SOPHIE

LETTERS TO MY SERVICE DOG ... The link to my personal blog, WENDY-LAND, is listed at right.

23 June 2008

My Hero

Dear Sophie,
I could never have made it through the week in Vegas without you. You had periods of stress when you were out and about around crowds, and on Saturday in particular, but you were much more comfortable staying in familiar territory with Tom & Carol instead of a hotel/casino.
It was so touching, Sophie; with Carol being so ill, you instantly took it upon yourself to watch over her, sleeping outside her bedroom door, and going in every now and then to make sure she was okay. And when you needed a Daddy figure, you leaned on Uncle Tom for a little comfort.
photo of my Titus 2 buddy Michelle, Sophie, and me at an indoor fountain at Paris Las VegasSaturday, we met up with a pal from my Titus 2 women's group and I seriously wonder if I'd have even gotten halfway there without you. You held me up in terrible heat and literally blinding sunlight and supported me when we had to walk fast, and, because you were with me and I had to take care of you, I ended up taking better care of myself.
We had different kinds of fun once we were at the patisserie; while I chatted with my friends, you sacked out and had the most wonderful nap!But no nap anywhere could compare with your own little corner or your own little chair at home, and boy, were you happy to get there!

13 June 2008

A Day Without You

Dear Sophie,
Remember I told you that you've seen the last of Las Vegas? Well, you haven't, not by a long shot. Yesterday I spent 16 long hours there, during which time I came to fully appreciate just how much you do for me and how much I depend on you. Tackling that city's streets is no longer anything I should do alone.
How does a deer feel when he's alone in the middle of a street and sees the headlights of an oncoming car? He doesn't know which way to move or where to run, so he freezes right where he's at and prays he won't get hit. That's just how I felt too many times yesterday.
Sure, I managed somehow and emerged physically unscathed but it was incredibly unnerving! Such a simple thing as crossing a street was terrifying as I got turned around and had no idea how far it was to the other side, or even if I was going straight. That's not to mention the balance and stumbling issues along the way that got me disoriented in the first place.I'm going back for a few days next week, Sophie, and you're going with me. It won't be so hard on you this time, staying with Tom & Carol, with plenty of nice grassy areas to take you outside in. Most of the trip you can be out of harness, a regular dog ... but for those occasions when I'll need you, you'll be oh so priceless!

04 June 2008

Four Years Old Already

graphic of a happy birthday Sophie sign decorated with hats, balloons, and cakeDear Sophie,
Wasn't it just a few months ago you turned three? Where's all the time going? It just doesn't seem like it has been that long since you were a mischievous little pup, maybe because in a lot of ways you still are. Just yesterday you shredded a squeaky toy out in the yard. That's okay. You're getting a new one for your birthday! And string cheese, and Frosty Paws, and a squeaky bone, and a peanut-butter-filled bone, and a whole bag of Charlee Bears from Grandma Pierce. Somehow, though, I think all of that will pale in comparison to your best present ... having Daddy home after he has been gone for three days.
You've accomplished a lot in the past year, Sophie. You're a pretty decent guide dog when you have to be and, just for that in itself, I'm so grateful! You learned to pick up credit cards off a tile floor, and began picking up things you'd never touch before, specifically, metal flashlights and my wireless mouse which I'm constantly dropping. Recreationally, you saw your first snow, and just a few months ago, you swam for the first time! You attended your first music concert, and romped around with other dogs in a dog park. (Don't get too comfortable with that one; I was a nervous wreck so doubt you'll see too many more dog parks in your lifetime.)
I don't have any specific goals for your upcoming year, just perfecting the things you're already doing, and maybe getting you to listen a little better than you do. But you know something, Sophie? You're everything I ever hoped for, and more, just the way you are. Happy Birthday, Big Dog!