Answers

I asked about some input yesterday, and I received a comment that I wanted to expand on. The comment was this…

 

“I was wondering if you might be willing to reflect on the processes that someone who requires the services of a service dog might go through if/when they outlive the span of their companion? I know it is a painful thought to consider, and therefore infrequently discussed… but it’s for this very reason that I’ve been so unable to find answers! Because I’m attached to my service dog… can another dog really help me the way she does, when she’s gone? Will I be too hurt to ever let in that love again, and therefore be cut off from help forever??

 

If you could talk about this… I’d be very grateful…” –    Commenter Abby

 

I’m not really sure where I would start as this is something I myself am questioning. Shimmer is my first service dog and as she approaches 8 1/2 years, I consider when to retire her and allow my younger dog to take over. Questions that go through my mind are, how will Shimmer feel? Will I expect too much of Vengeance? How will Vengeance take to the job? Will I cause Shimmer to become depressed or sad? Will I cause her worry? Will I cause myself worry? None of these questions can unfortunately be answered definitely, just figuratively. I do believe that another dog can help us the way our current service animals do, we just have to be willing to be open to the idea of it. Often we are so rigid in our thought process that we don’t always allow ourselves the change that we NEED. So, to answer the question in the end, I do no believe you will be too hurt. We are all different but at the same time, we have to take the chance and hope that we will get what we need and what we are deserving of. We all deserve help and happiness. That is the point of this blog.

 

I’d also like to share that today was a fun day. Class went by quickly and afterwards we came home and went to the park with a good friend of ours. The dogs had a wonderful time and the service dog in training that she is sitting for the weekend came along too. Shimmer, Vengeance and Buddy always have a great time and I have two very pleased and tired dogs laying at my feet as I type this. What a wonderful day. This was exactly what I needed to refresh and regroup. And what’s even more wonderful, tomorrow we will be going again! Today, I’m finally getting back into the swing of things and it feels great!

“Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged to relocate us to the place we’re meant to be.” -Unknown