Not sure what to title this

[PatriceH]

This past week, the german shepherd (service dog for autism) puppy I had been raising for 14 months was placed with his family. Although I still have my golden retriever, my house is screaming "quiet".

As I reflect back over the year...that it was taking this puppy out in the middle of the night, when I ran into the door jam in the dark, that I discovered my cancer.

I raised this tough little guy through chemo, surgery and radiation.

He came at the right time in my life. My fight is not over as I'm still on herceptin treatments, but I look back over the past year and say "wow!" That little rascal kept me going. Would I have been able to fight had I not had that "project" keeping me going? How in the heck did I do it?! I pray that he continues to succeed in advanced training and provide his "family" will more independence and peace of mind for the parents, knowing that a little creature who helped someone survive cancer is looking out for their autistic child.

I am wondering what to do next...after I take my well-deserved nap.

[dchips1]

Hi I have fighting since 1/06 and taking care of special needs kids for 90% of the time full-time kept me going, they were the reason my "Angels" to keep me going. They did not care what I looked like they still had unconditional love for me. Even now as I have really struggled the last couple of months, instead of the kids, we have a 12 year old black lab and my hubby says look here is a 8 week old yellow lab....Him and my 9 yr have taken care of the hard stuff and I get the love from her!!! So take you nap!!!! And find you another angel to keep you going.


Take Care
God has a special place for those who help others!!

Darita

[jml]

Amen, ladies!

I truly believe that being able to shift the focus away from our own challenges and channel our energy - even when it seems like there's just not enough - towards helping others reach their goals, is so empowering!

I own a Pilates studio, and my clients are blessed with good health and strength and there's nothing I enjoy more than teaching my classes and training my clients. Even when I'm feeling really puny, and have to just sit on the floor and talk through the class, their energy and enthusiasm rubs off on me!
And at the end of the day, when my clients walk out of the studio after a challenging workout, proud of themselves for doing something for their health, I'm so grateful to have contributed a little something.

And then I go home and crash out on the couch with my big, beautiful mutt, Polo

ps-he's part shepherd and an amazing creature!

Because, as humans, we can be
from time to time, unkind
even fickle in our moods
for we were not designed

to be as constant as our pets
in their adoration,
finding fault with others,
and letting aggravations

simmer 'neath the surface
when tensionsns in our lives,
sometimes take us over
as lows beat out the highs

he knew we needed love
that's there no matter what we do
or say or feel, a love that's real
forgiving, through and through

and one that's offered even when
we are not so kind
or forget to let our pets,
know, that in our minds,

and in our hearts, they are
brave and smart
intuitive, all-knowing,
forgiving of our human ways,
these creatures ever showing

love to us, the ones they trust
in everyway to be
mistress, master, object of
devotion endlessly

Yes, God created canines
because we needed love
as unabashed and constant
as his stars above.

We need them to comfort us
should heartache come to call
and tears of sadness
are allowed to fall

And so, as we reflect on them
their great propensity
for loyalty, protectiveness
let us ever be

Mindful that he made them
to make our lives complete
to watch for danger in the night
a constant vigil, keep

that we might be, more safe
to live our lives assured
that unrelenting love abounds
for those that are good stewards

of the canine pets that are
truly "mans best friend"
their devotion is unmatched
their caring never ends

[Margerie]

That must have been bittersweet Patrice.... what you invested in that dog will be given back 100-fold to the child and his family.

Can you post a photo of your project? I would love to see him.

LOL we have two projects of our own, our two German Sheps are big sweetie pies

[tricia keegan]

I'm sorry you're missing this little guy so much Patricia, and there's no doubt the positive effect our pets have on us through cancer.

Tricia x