[nagdu] Kirby

[Meghan Whalen]

I'm sorry about Plato...so sorry.  It's never the right time.

Kirby is only 6.5, but she has cateracs and doesn't do well in dim 
lighting and can't really see obstacles if they're below her eye level 
or over her head.  She walks right under tables and only realizes when 
my wrist colides with the table top, trips over trash can lids, bricks, 
yard trimmings and other rubble left on sidewalks...and she takes every 
mistake so so hard.  I can't stand watching her lose more and more 
confidence in herself.  She will be spoiled for many years to come.

Thanks again for your message,
Meghan

On 7/12/2011 8:35 PM, Mike wrote:
> Hi Megan,
> I remember meeting you at convention only a couple of years ago it 
> seems, when you had just gotten Kirby and I had my previous dog, Plato.
> My heart goes out to you as well. Plato had to be put down before he 
> could retire.  It is good to hear that Kirby will be able to enjoy 
> retirement with you.
> Mike Sivill
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Meghan Whalen" <mewhalen at gmail.com>
> To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>; <wagdu at nfbwis.org>; <buddy-l at yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 5:24 PM
> Subject: [nagdu] Kirby
>
>
>> Today was one I will not forget anytime soon.  I took a short walk 
>> with my Kirby, and together, we understood this is too hard for her.  
>> She stumbles over objects on the sidewalk and can only safely move us 
>> around obstacles if they are at her eye level.  Each time she failed 
>> to make a clearance, she jumped back and tried to self-correct, but 
>> she couldn't see the obstacles to successfully do so.
>>
>> I am going to do my best to remember the confidence in her pull as 
>> she found our driveway on the way home rather than focus on what she 
>> struggled with.  Our last few steps together in harness were just as 
>> graceful and confident as every stride we have shared over the years, 
>> and I am going to hang onto that.
>>
>> Devastated is an understatement.  She as rarely if ever worked over 
>> the last month, because I have been in denial, and I didn't want the 
>> constant reminder that it was time.  I decided today that I would 
>> make the decision as to if she was fully retired when we arrived back 
>> home, and sadly, my lady cannot do what she loves anymore.  Our bond 
>> is one that is so strong that she is at my side whenever I am home.  
>> She is my constant shadow, and she longs to be with me when I am away.
>>
>> This dog has my heart, just as her predecessor and her future 
>> successors will, though she has her own unique piece of it.  Kirby is 
>> the dog who taught me to pause and enjoy the little things.  She is 
>> the one who taught me to work hard and play even more hard.  It is my 
>> hope and my dream that her retirement will be filled with enough hard 
>> play to help her not miss her work so much.
>>
>> Thank you for pairing my footsteps with pawprints for over four 
>> years. Thank you for soaking my tears in your coat when I felt lost 
>> in life. Thank you for the many times you refused to go into the 
>> street when I told you to, because a last minute car blew a light or 
>> turned in front of us. Thank you for making it through those first 
>> two years together.  You gave me a run for my money, but all of the 
>> work was worth it, because in the end, together, we were perfection.  
>> I want you to understand that though you are retired, though 
>> eventually I will move your harness from the hook by the door, I will 
>> never let go of the bond we share.  No one will ever replace you.  My 
>> new guide will do things differently, and I will always remember your 
>> grace, your kindness, your doubtless devotion and faith...I love you 
>> Kirby Lee!
>>
>> Let's hang up the harness, play some fetch, romp at the lake shore 
>> and race through the sunshine.  You are staying right here beautiful 
>> one, and I will make your world meaningful again.
>>
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>
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