This bond we humans share with animals is also why I became a puppy raiser for KSDS, an organization that works to provide assistance dogs for the disabled (it was my first service puppy in training that inspired this blog). Recently I volunteered to be part of a dancing team for our local Rotary Club's 4th Annual "Dancing with our Stars" Charity Event. During this event, several couples perform a dance routine (yes in public in front of hundreds of people) to raise money for their chosen charity. My dancing partner, Ted Koller, and I are dancing for KSDS. Voting for the dancing team is done via monies donated to the team's chosen charity. Ted and I have been practicing 3-4 times weekly for the past month in preparation for our debut February 15th. We have to practice a lot because we are both old, fat and out of shape ( I am also terrible uncoordinated). Just like the time and dedication I put in to training my Service Puppy in training, I am determined to put on a good show and work to encourage donations for KSDS. If you cannot attend this event, I encourage you to visit KSDS website and donate to their endeavors to provide assistance to the disabled.
Three weeks ago, I had to turn back to KSDS my second puppy in training, Port. Even though I know full well from his arrival to me, at 10 weeks of age, that he is not mine to keep and that in approximately 18 months he will be leaving for KSDS college, it doesn't make it easier to take him back so that he can continue his training and find his partner. Though I knew what to expect in taking him back to KSDS; I had already experienced it with Meade, my first puppy in training, I cried for 15 minutes in my truck after I left the KSDS facility. The bond we developed and shared during his time with me is strong, and just like the pain a parent feels when their children leave the nest, my heart was heavy, when I had to cut the umbilical cord and leave Port to move forward so that he could go on to help someone with far greater needs than myself.
People often tell me they could never be a puppy raiser because they could not handle the letting go after two years of love and building such a priceless bond. They sometimes even ask me, "how can you let them go?" I invite you to watch this video I have made and published on Youtube, KSDS Stand By Me , perhaps it can answer that question best. The love I felt for Meade and Port is forever. That love has now spread to others and I have become a part of their lives too.
I am a veterinarian and I dance…so the bond that we humans share with animals can open the world up to others and to me. I am a better person for being a part of something greater than myself.
