[Oagdu] Six years ago...

[Debra Baker]

Hi Luanne,

This is Debbie Baker and Bella.  It never gets easy to lose a guide to
death, especially if the dog is young.  I have lost several.  Neena died of
an abdominal aneurism at four, Gabby of renal failure, Eileen, (my only
retiree,)  of a stroke, Cathy to bone cancer at only age four, and Desi to a
massive heart attack after anesthesia for a teeth cleaning.  So I offer you
my heartfelt sympathy.  I, too, read the Rainbow Bridge when my dogs pass,
and was deeply touched when two Texas friends who have had guides sent me a
chocolate angel statue after I lost Cathy, my only chocolate lab.  

In sympathy and prayer,

Debbie Baker and Bella


-----Original Message-----
From: Oagdu [mailto:oagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Luann Bowers via
Oagdu
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2015 12:12 PM
To: Deanna Lewis; Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users List
Subject: Re: [Oagdu] Six years ago...

I think that's cool that you and Pascal had your anniversary but I'm also
writing this on a heavy heart unable 22nd my first guide Miriam past you the
rainbow she lease leading me to the end and she also loved her job dearly
and she saw her friends and her guy Doug friends she did this little wiggle
it brought a sparkle to their eye so I know when there's bright sunny
sunshine that she's smiling down upon me she's my guardian angel she will
always look upon me thank you Luanne and cadence

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 30, 2015, at 8:57 AM, Deanna Lewis via Oagdu <oagdu at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> On this day, six years ago, I was matched with my first Guide Dog at Guide
Dogs for the Blind's California campus. Getting Pascal greatly increased my
independence and opened many doors for me (even though I could never train
him to physically open those doors /smiles/).
> Back in 2009, you arrived on campus on a Monday, and received your new
Guide Dogs on Thursday afternoon. Ironically, today is a Thursday as well.
When I returned to GDB a month ago, we arrived on Sunday and got our dogs on
Monday afternoon. I am not sure how I survived those first few days of
suspense and waiting to receive Mr. Pascal. I'm glad they've changed it up
now!
> If I had to use one word to describe Pascal it would be "stubborn". He is
always set in his ways and you can't really change him! It must be that
Virgo in him /smiles/. He always loves to go places, see old friends, and
meet new people!
> Pascal worked as a guide for just under six years. He was my first guide
dog, a big black lab, weighing 75 lbs. and standing 24 inches at the
shoulders. I'm sure he weighs a bit more now that he's retired... He will
always be My Big Black Man. When you are around him you have to spell words
out, like F O O D and T R E A T. And you couldn't ask anyone if they were
hungry, because Pascal would get so excited. He also knew when someone was
outside our building to pick us up. If the phone rang and I said something
as simple as, "OK", he would jump up (even if he was in a deep sleep) and
stand by the door, thinking we were heading out to meet our friend. He could
always find my blind friends in crowded places, taking me directly to them.
He loved Conventions and meeting new people and dogs. He is a flirt, and has
many girlfriends all over the country!
> Pascal is now retired and has moved into the Old Folk's Home (with my Mom
and Stepdad). He doesn't seem to miss being a guide dog much, and doesn't
get too jealous of Mambo. But, he still loves to go on car rides and to see
people. He loves to play with the two boys who live next door to my Mom. The
other night, his newest playmate, Mambo got to come over for a slumber
party!
> If I wrote down all the wonderful things about Pascal, it would take up a
whole series of books! LOL. So, I think I will leave it at this...
> Happy six year anniversary to my wonderful Big Black Man! Love you Pascal!
> 
> Deanna, Mambo, and the happily retired, Pascal
> 
> 
> 
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