As I was petting Ruby the other day, lost in my thoughts, the tears really started. I kissed her head as I sobbed and she gave me the oddest look. Then she began to wag her tail and pounce around...which is what she does when she's nervous. I collected myself so as not to upset her any further and the realization struck me like a bolt: "This dog is nervous because she's never seen me cry like this before." It's not that I hadn't experienced painful times over the past year, but she's been such an uplifting presence, that even on very dark days, her spirit alters my whole frame of mind.
I raised this little yellow service puppy for sixteen months and she has reinterpreted happiness for me. I can only dream of what she'll bring her future partner.
(Thank you to our dear friends, Dennis & Mickey, for traveling on this journey with us and for the beautiful photo.)
20 comments:
Oh, now I'm crying. You've done some a great job with Roo; someone is going to be very, very lucky to get her.
I have enjoyed following along on your journey. Thank you for sharing it with us. It is a wonderful thing you do--don't know if I could do it myself. I admire your commitment and dedication to Ruby's early training, as well as your willingness and courage to take on this task knowing the heartache in store for you.
Good luck to Ruby in her training. I'm sure she'll be a wonderful partner to someone that needs her.
Also, will be in my thoughts as you go through the loss of her in your day-to-day life.
come on, don't make us cry too!
She's a very sweet dog, and no matter what service she goes into -we know you trained her well.
You know we've been thinking about all of you this week -
We'll be leaking from here -
I'll echo what the first commenter said to a word!
Our best wishes for special hours minutes seconds -
Khyra and Phyll
We feel your pain! Only 27 days left for us. :(
Tears over here too!!! Aw. Beautiful photo. You have been an amazing team with Ruby, she will make an extraordinary partner for a very lucky person. We have so enjoyed her so.
More tissues!
Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose
You (and Erin) are very brave and selfless ladies and I don't know how you do it! I don't think I could raise the dogs for so long and then hand them over. Thinking of you both lots. Cx
I keep getting so sad too and I haven't even been with Row for more than 2 weeks in the last year. You have done such a great job with Roo and we all know how great they will make someone's life. Enjoy your last few days and give her some love for me too!
Thinking of you guys every day and sending lots of love.
This one got me all teary eyed too. I know you already know it, but raising Ruby is such an amazing, incredible, selfless thing and what she will give to someone else is extraordinary. Thinking of you guys!
Were crying too.
What a wonderful journey we had with you Ruby and your other end of the leash. We will feel the loss of not checking in on "Raising Ruby"
You will be in our thoughts this week-end and always.
What a wonderful person you are to give so much in training Ruby, loving her and then to give her up to someone who will be eternally grateful to have her. Good luck Ruby on your advanced training. Touching picture Ruby with your Mom. We love you Roo.
When I told my husband I was thinking about becoming a puppy raiser, he said he didn't think I could handle saying goodbye.
I told him I hoped it would be easier when you know your dog is going on to a good life with important work.
Now that I'm following Raising Ruby and a few other puppy raiser blogs, I'm starting to see it doesn't matter a bit, does it?
Good luck on trying to be a positive presence for Ruby in your last few days together.
They say a picture speaks a thousand words...just beautiful.
Now the Momster has tears too. We have thought so much about how hard this time must be for you, a bittersweet passing of the time remaining. Enjoy every bit of time left.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
I know what you mean about the emotions/tears that all of a sudden develop when I think of Ruby moving on- she has touched our hearts in ways I never could imagine... my only consolation is that she is going to help some very lucky person and you have made it possible...our thoughts have been with you all week...enjoy your weekend with that cutie :)
I am broken hearted and I've never even met your girl in person. Can only imagine sharing her whole life with her. We're hugging you and precious Roo from afar...
Lovely photo of the two of you!
My daughter originally showed me your blog and being a huge dog lover myself I have truly enjoyed all the photos, video and adventures.
We have a big black lab, they are special loving animals.
Be proud of the work you do, someone is going to have an amazing service dog because of your dedication to this work
Thoguhts and prays are with you!!!
We all take dogs into our lives knowing that their time with us will be short, but none more so then a raiser like yourself. I admire you for it (and don't think I could ever be that strong).
Aw, that's so beautiful. She'll make her partner so proud!
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