25/11/2023
Last year, I noticed that I was starting to slow down. It was much harder for me to keep up with Trek, Kiely, Breeze, and Amber on our hikes. Sometimes, when I was getting tired, my back legs would just decide to give out on me. This made it much harder for me to go visit people and do my favorite job as a therapy dog. I was getting tired much faster than in the past, but I loved being able to help people during their hardest times. I never wanted to stop.
Over the past few months, I kept getting sick. One of those times, my fever got so high that it caused me to lose my sight! It has been a tough adjustment, but with help from Mommy and Daddy, I have continued to enjoy my family and friends.
Last night, I got sick again. It was really hard to breathe, so Mommy cuddled me up tight and took care of me all night. We cuddled for a while and she just pet me and kept telling me how much she loved me. I always love it when I get to cuddle with Mommy.
This morning was rough. Even though Daddy made me a tasty looking breakfast, I decided to pass. I just didn’t feel like eating and it was too hard to stand up. Eventually, I was able to stand, but needed a little help from Daddy. It was really hard to walk, but with Daddy’s help, I slowly walked outside to enjoy the cool morning air (and potty). I could hear the car running. I wondered if that meant I was getting to go to work? I have always loved being a therapy dog.
One of my gifts is that I have always been able to tell who is sad. Mommy says it's empathy. I have always used this when doing my job to find who I can help the most. When we got to the place, Daddy picked me up and carried me inside. I instantly recognized this place by the smell. I was at Cross Lanes Veterinary Hospital. I have been here lots of times and everyone is so friendly. Not being able to see has made my job much harder, so I appreciate Daddy’s help getting around. We sat down and I cuddled up to Mommy. Oddly, using my gift, I could tell Mommy and Daddy were the most sad. I laid there with them to make them feel better. They just kept petting me and telling me they love me. I knew they did, but I had a job to do, you know!
A little while later, we went to visit some of my other friends. They came in and pet me and gave me lots of love while I continued therapy do***ng all of them. The longer we were there, I just kept getting more and more tired. Eventually, I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer and took a nap.
When I opened my eyes, I realized something was very different. I could see again!!! I looked around and it's beautiful here. The sun is always shining, the wind lightly blowing, and the grass is so soft. Then I saw him walking towards me!!! My best big, big brother Aidan! He is smiling with his normal weird smile and he play bowed right on top of me! Yep, it was definitely him. We ran around and played for what seemed like forever. Then I saw Caly! It was on! I chased her just like I used to when we were younger. She ran all over and eventually jumped into a big pond. Being more of a Portuguese Land Dog, I stopped at the water’s edge to wait for her to get out. Then, Mommy DoodleBug, Jack, Bela, and Indy came out of the water. Friends are everywhere!!!
After a while, I started thinking about Mommy and Daddy. I asked Aidan where they are. He told me that they are across the Rainbow Bridge and, eventually, they would come across the Rainbow Bridge to be with us again. Aidan also told me that anytime I think of them or someone thinks of me, my spirit can cross back over the Bridge where I can use my gift to continue therapy do***ng them.
Thank you everyone for the many years of love and support. Being a therapy dog meant the world to me. Just remember, if you ever feel sad or need some love, I am always just a thought away! 🧡
CH Allyn Tyme to Batten Down the Hatches BN RE OA OAJ NF DCAT THDX CGCA TKA MAC-3
Armada
September 14, 2012 – November 25, 2023
