Guide Dogs for the Blind

There came a time when I would see Ambur struggle so much just to walk or step up or down.  She fell often and I felt so bad for her.  About that same time, she was working at Deseret Industries and there was a presentation or some type of class and she went off to the Blind school which was so helpful and I will write about my gratitude for that later.  This entry is sort of out of order but today it is what I am grateful for.  

As I was riding on the bus in Salt Lake City one day, a gentleman got on and he had a guide dog.  I asked how he got the dog and he was not shy about telling me at all.  He told me it took about a year and that it didn't have any cost associated with it.  I told him about Ambur and he told me the name of the location was, Guide Dogs for the Blind.

I told Ambur about it and she started doing some checking and applied.  It was literally about a year before they told her she had been accepted and gave her a date to go to California and spend some time training.  It was pretty exciting.  This process included visits with a psychologist, a social worker, home inspections, walks to where Ambur would typically be walking, etc. etc.  It was a lot of paperwork, mental work and Ambur completed it and we just couldn't wait to see what the new member of our family would be like.  

The plane tickets arrived with a special luggage tag.

The applicant doesn't get to know until they arrive what their new companion looks like, acts like, color, age or anything.  While Ambur was off to her school, my friend Paula and I went to California as well and we had some relaxing fun around the sights.

Then the day came and Ambur got to meet her new companion.  I will tell you that I was hoping for a yellow lab or a retriever.  Ambur waited in her room until finally she heard a knock at the door.  This is what she got to experience.

This is the first (or at least one of the first) pictures of Gimlet I saw.  The breeders choose the names, and all of Gimlets siblings' names start with the letter G.  Gimlet is an alcoholic beverage and so thank heavens we are able to call her Gimme.  

Ambur went through her training and Graduation day was coming.  My friend and I arrived at the center in plenty of time to just relax.  It was a beautiful campus.

We went in and got our seat and I looked up and Ambur was just a couple of rows in front of me.  I was glad to see her so happy and joyful.

Each graduate gives a little speech and I love this picture because after just a few days, Gimme was watching her every move and waiting for her response at all times.  I have come to be very grateful for those traits.

All the graduates were setting on the front row with their dogs, all were asleep except one, Gimme!

This has been such a great blessing in both of our lives.  I have a great amount of gratitude for the Guide School and all the time spent, teaching and training and I am grateful that Ambur qualified for this wonderful blessing.  There will be more postings, and you will be able to see what an integral part of Ambur's life has become theirs together.  How much gratitude can one have for the love a true companion gives?  An unlimited amount.