I didn't do any real research on what the life of a service dog is like, so some of this might be false.
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The memories from my childhood are limited. I remember my siblings, and a big garden that I spent most of my time in, and vaguely my mother. I don't remember much else. But that's okay. I like our memories more.
I'm a service dog. The majority of my early life was training for this. Training to see whether or not I was capable of protecting a human's life.
The day I met you was one of my favorite memories. Probably my favorite. I knew right away that there was something different about you then the other humans, you were holding this big black stick, tapping the ground. It was odd I admit, but I didn't write you off and I'm glad I didn't. You became my best friend. I hope I was yours too. You were just as friendly as everyone else and I wanted to go up to you and greet you but I wasn't supposed to, I would wait until I was told to do so. These two men helped you down into a chair and then left the room. Brenda, I think her name was, the lady who spent all of her time with me, told you that you should call me over. You patted your legs and whistled. I jumped and ran over to you. I was so excited! You pet me and laughed, said that I was "The perfect dog for you". I don't know what you meant and I still don't, but I think it's a good thing.
The next day you brought me home. You had a big house and a big backyard. You told me "What's mine is yours". I don't know what that meant either, but I'll figure it out one day. The first part of our lives together were nothing out of the ordinary. Many walks, I always made sure I knew what was going and where you were going. I was so cautious, I didn't want to lose my job.
One day you were very sad. I smelled it. I came up to you and put my head in your lap. "I don't do anything. This disability keeps me from doing anything and going anywhere." You said quietly. You didn't come out of your room for the rest of that day except to feed me. I apprieciate that.
From that day things were different. You were always happy and excited to go out. You started taking me different places. We even went to a dog park. The dogs there weren't that nice. We didn't go back. But I loved going places we hadn't been before.
My favorite memory was when you wanted to go to some fancy resteruant. We walked in and we were immediately greeting by a nice smelling lady. "Sir, there aren't dogs allowed here." She had told you calmly.
"I know, but I was hoping you could let this slip by. He's a great dog and he has never caused any trouble. If he does, I promise you I will leave without a fight." I was confused. Was I not allowed in this place? I have to be there for my best friend. The lady had thought in her eyes as she stared down at me. I wagged my tail, she was nice. "I'll have to ask my manager." She quickly walked away, and we were left to wait for her return. When she came back she smiled. "Table for one?"
You ordered a lot of food, I smelled it. I got to eat anything you didn't eat. That's why it was my favorite memory. Also because my best friend was there to share it with me.
Eventually things changed. We didn't go out every day, you were too tired. I sensed that you were in pain a lot. I wanted to help, but how? I comforted you the only way I knew how. I was always right by your side. Some days were nice. You had more energy and were able to go someplace dfferent. But usually we stayed near the house if we left at all.
My least favorite memory was when you were angry. I still don't know why. But I was very scared. You took me out for a walk and I did my job, but you were so angry. After we walked for a little your anger turned into sadness. Your pace slowed and you started to cry, but you didn't stop walking. At the crosswalk we waited for the light to change. I nudged your leg to let you know that everything was going to be okay. I would be right here for you. But you mistook my nudge for a signal to go. There weren't any cars in the lane but I pulled back and barked to try to tell you that it wasn't safe to go right now. "Dammit! Just come you stupid dog!" And I felt your anger all over again. "Fine!" You said loudly. You dropped my leash. I began to panic. I was failing! I wasn't doing my job! And you walked across the street slowly reaching out to find any sort of wall. And then there was a crash. I don't remember what happened. But you were on the floor in front of a big car and a man rushed out and kneeled down next to you. I ran over and barked at him. This is my best friend. It's my job to help him. Go away. But you pushed me away and pulled out some square thing and began to speak into it. Soon enough more people came. More cars. Bigger cars. Ones with flashing lights and loud noises. What was going on? I just wanted to help my friend. Suddenly I was being ushered away from you and to a sidewalk. These people lifted you onto some kind of bed and into one of the big cars. I began to panic again. Where was my best friend going? I need to go with him! A lady kneeled down in front of me blocking my view. Move out of the way! But it was too late. The big car was gone. I focused on the lady again, she seemed familiar. It was Brenda! The nice lady who had spent her time with me when I was young. I temporarily forgot about what had happened. But then I remembered. Brenda stood up and looked down at me sadly. I looked into her eyes. Where's my best friend?
Brenda took me to what I think was her home. She took off my vest and harness. I almost never had it off during the day. I was confused. What was happening? Did I lose my job? "You'll be staying here now. I hope you don't mind being alone during the day." She patted my head and gave me a warm smile. She left. I still didn't understand. But I understand now. I had failed. I lost my best friend. All I want in the world is to have my best friend back.
My lastest memories were nice. But they weren't ours. I spent the days laying in Brenda's backyard. She had a cat too, but she didn't like me much. So I stayed away. At least I wasn't totally alone. I started to feel tired some days. I understood what you went through. Had I only wished I knew earlier.
One day I was very tired. I took a very long nap and when I woke up I was still tired. All I thought of was you, my best friend and our memories. I wondered why you were so angry that day.
I began to fall asleep again. It was blissful. I hoped Brenda was having a nice day.
But mostly I wished that I could see you.
