Saying Goodbye

There comes a time in everyone's life when they have to say goodbye to someone they love. No matter how much they don't want to let them go, they have too. I just found out today that Al might be going back to Florida in April. All I wanted to do was cry. I mean, you know what you're getting in to when you get a guide dog but you can't help loving them with everything you have or wishing they wouldn't go. I've called him my baby from the beginning and that is exactly what he is and how he acts. I'll sit on the floor and he'll come over and sit in my lap or he'll snuggle up to me when I'm watching TV on the floor. He is a dog that is full of love for not just me, but everyone he comes into contact with. Unlike us, he doesn't judge people for what they look like, how they dress or act or speak, he gives everyone a chance. We could learn a lot from dogs if we looked at things a little differently. After all, they are loyal, loving, caring, and love to please us. Al is a big giver...of pretty much everything but kisses. (Although he does kiss my hand sometimes.) He was was a big baby from the start and has grown into a huge baby, but he will always be my baby and he'll always be in my memories and my heart. I know he'll make a great guide dog or breeder or whatever he ends up becoming. He was born for this. The most important part of being a guide dog and raising a guide dog is love. We have to show them love so they will show it to others. I feel like I'm not ready to give him up, but it's not about me, it's about him and I know he's ready and I now he's not perfect but he'll do just fine. I love you, Big Al. Until next time...