Back in October my Peggy mom and momma Ellen got a call from New Horizons saying that it was time for me to come back to the Center and go on to my next phase of training. They both seemed really really sad. I did everything I could to make them feel better. I heard them say how much they were going to miss me. What are they talking about? Where am I going?
A few days later momma Ellen and daddy Rich took me to the beach. It was my first time and I truly loved it. I loved splashing in the waves, feeling the sand on my feet and getting wet and really dirty. They weren't even mad. In fact they were encouraging me to have as much fun as possible. Is this where I'm going? If so, I'll be happy to do this everyday!
Then, one day Peggy mom put me in the car, just like we were going to work. Only this time we went to a parking lot. Peggy mom even got in the back seat with me and we sat there for a really long time. She seemed really sad. She even cried but I didnt know why. I just laid my head on her lap and tried to make her smile. Then daddy Joe showed up in his red truck and we both went with him. As we were driving I heard my Peggy mom crying again. Did I do something wrong? Where were they taking me?
In a little bit we got back to the Center. There were lots of dogs there, especially puppies. I just love puppies. Is this where I'm going? I was so busy playing I didn't even notice when Peggy mom and daddy Joe left. Why did they leave me?
My time after that was a blur. So much happened. Eventually I ended up in south Florida at a really big building where they let the people who live there work with dogs like me. The time went by pretty fast but I didn't ever get to see my Peggy mom or momma Ellen. I didn't see daddy Joe or daddy Rich either. It was all new people and new experiences. I missed my families and my old life when I used to go to work with Peggy mom during the day, then home with momma Ellen and daddy Rich. I was very spoiled and I was the only dog at their house. They had a cat but we didn't really play together much. I tried but she scared me so I kept a safe distance.
On the weekends Peggy mom would take me to the country. There were horses, dogs and cats. I really loved playing with my friend Tobie the best. She always liked me, even when I was little. Before long, I was waaaay bigger than Tobie but we still loved to play. I would run up behind her and jump on her back trying to give her a big hug. Then she would do the same thing to me. Over and over, we loved to play that game.
But, then my life was different. I wasn't scared. I'm very brave so I just did what I was told. I paid attention and i learned a lot Maybe I can see my friends again, someday.
Well just when you are getting comfortable, things change. Pretty soon I was back at the Center, again. Only this time a really nice lady, Linda was playing with me and giving me treats. Is she my new mom?
She took me to a place where I got beautified. I got my teeth cleaned, I got a bath, they trimmed my fur and my nails. I look really really pretty. Is something wonderful going to happen? I sure hope so.
Then my new friend Linda took me to the mall. We were just hanging out practicing my best behavior when all of a sudden there they were! It was my Peggy mom and momma Ellen! I was soooooo happy to see them I even forgot I had my vest on and I was supposed to be working. I jumped on them and then I kissed them and kissed them. I even grabbed onto their arms with my mouth, just for old times and to make sure they really knew it was me and I loved them. They seemed really happy to see me too! Yeah, we get to be together again. They were even crying a little. I'm so glad they are happy to see me.
They stayed a long time talking to Linda. Is this a special occasion? I hope it means something wonderful is going to happen. I was just so happy and excited that I finally crawled onto momma Ellen's lap and took a nap. They didn't seem to mind, just kept petting me the whole time I was asleep.
I still heard what they were talking about though. Apparently I am going to do something wonderful. I get to go on a plane. I did that once before with Peggy mom. You get on this weird looking bus that makes a lot of noise. Then when you get off you are in a different place from where you started.
I heard them say that I'm going to my new forever home. A really wonderful family that will love me forever and ever. I'm going to have new friends and even more new experiences. I have a very important job to do. That's why I was born you know - to be the most special dog to the most special person. I can't wait to get the rest of my life started!
Before I go, I just want to say a big thank you to all the wonderful people I've met along the way. Thanks to my friends at New Horizons and all of my special trainers. And the biggest thank you of all to my first families - my Peggy mom and daddy Joe and momma Ellen and daddy Rich. I love you and ill miss you. But don't worry about me, I'm off to fulfill the greatest of all destinies - to be a best friend to someone who needs me most of all.
See you soon!
