22/12/2024
My Christmas Story
It was about this time of year in 2016 while getting a haircut my regular stylist mentioned that her younger sister had lost her job and had to move back in with mom and dad and was depressed.
She went on to say every year she and her sister would take their mom out for a traditional holiday dinner before Christmas, but not this year as her sister felt guilty over the financial help already given to her and it would be too much shame in having them pay her share and would rather just skip this year.
As I checked out, and tipped for a great haircut I turned to my stylist "Ashley" and asked her for one small favor- that is would you please give your sister this $50 bill, and be sure to tell her tell her Merry Christmas!! She instantly teared up and gave me a hug as I quickly headed for the door! As a dog whisperer I believe treats are for tricks, and random acts of kindness! This was simply my treat, and random act of kindness as she did enjoy their traditional dinner night out!
I have never told this story as it really wasn't a big deal.
April 1st 2017- as luck would have it while driving home from a dog lesson and looking like a shaggy dog I was right on time for my scheduled haircut appointment, but my regular stylist "Ashley" had called in sick last minute as she was soon to have a baby! Her best friend "Ellen" who was also a stylist drove from Sanford to Apex to cover her shift!
While putting the cape around my neck she noticed my tee shirt
"The Raleigh Dog Trainer" and said with excitement "your that dog training guy my friend talks about! It's God's grace, and a miracle that I meet you today as I have a really big problem!
My husband lost his job, and me and our 2 young children had to move in with his parents who own a German Shepherd Dog that hates other dogs. Would you please adopt my British Creme Golden Retriever named "Asher?" as she reached for her phone to show me a picture. Of course, without hesitation I said "Yes!!"
I later thought to myself is a 6 pack really a good idea as I already have 2 Golden Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Toller, and 2 little guys under 10 lbs. I also thought about changing his name, but after some research discovered the 1st word in the description/meaning of the name "Asher" is "Happy!" I then realized that my 2 aging golden retrievers would one day no longer be with me, and I would need all the "happy" I could get.
Still with a heavy heart, I recently lost both of my golden best friends "Tanner" and "Shadow" within a month of each other. It was more difficult than I ever expected, but it's through God's grace that "Asher" makes me happy!
Merry Christmas,
Steve Wilson
"The Raleigh Dog Trainer"
www.theraleighdogtrainer.com
