CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

For those of you who remember, I had a Yellow Lab service dog named Pebbles who was trained by Canine Partners for Life to help me keep my balance while I walked, retrieve dropped items, tug off socks, open doors, etc. As she came to know me, she even began alerting me to my migraines before they started so I could take preventative measures.

Well, on April 30, 2010 I had to formally retire her from service after 4 years together due to hip displasia and osteoarthritis. I was unable to keep her (since she is no longer a service dog, but now a pet, she is over the weight limit for my housing), she was adopted by a member of my community who I know well.

Over our years together, we went to many places and saw many things. We were best friends and partners. She was a vital part of my life. She opened doors for me both literally and methaphorically.

I would like to share with you all a photo memory book I put together in honor of her retirement. Enjoy.

I miss her tremendously. I feel like I'm missing an arm. God sure blessed me with a great partner who served me faithfully. I wish her a very happy retirement and long years ahead.

I know this may seem dumb or not important to others, but I could really use some support in this. I just lost my best friend and my partner of 4 years.

I shared this memory book because I wanted to share this important event in my life with you all. I was hoping to show the great thing God did by giving her to me and some of the memories we had together --the amazing difference a service dog makes in the life of a person with a disability. God gave her to me and she enabled me to do things most people take for granted. She was a tremendous blessing.

Awwww, I really enjoyed seeing these! It's funny how much dogs become a part of the family, and it can definitely be difficult to let them go after such a long time. Here's hoping that you'll make lots of new, fond memories with your new service dog!

She looks like such a sweet dog, and like you had a great relationship with her! ^_^ Sorry I missed these before.

*Hugs* I'm sure you made a great impact on her as she did on you

Awww how special! >_< You guys had some wonderful times! Here's to your new helper as well! I bet you guys will create new memories too! ^_^

How old are service dogs when they start working?

Awww, sweet photos. I'm glad for you that someone you know has adopted her, at least you can be sure that she will have a good home. Would you be able to visit her?

Gene, I do get to go visit her. Not as often as I'd like (because of school), but the staff member who adopted her doesn't live far away and all I have to do is call and set up a day/time to go by.

Kit-chan, service dogs are usually around 2 years old when they start working if they are from a program. After they finish their 18-24 months of training, they are then matched with a recipient, go through Team Training, and then begin working with their new partner.