A Puppies First Steps
BOURKE and I got to visit the puppies yesterday. It was amazing to see how much they have grown in such a short time. Allison and Terry were kind enough to let me help them during the first day or two of the litters’ life. Each puppy was so tiny and had a unique personality. It fascinates me that they can have a personality that soon. The white one tugged my heart strings the most. This was the one that was the nosiest, tried the hardest to cuddle with brothers and sisters, and had the most difficulty finding and keeping a good dinner spot. I spent lots of time encouraging this little one to keep trying to eat. In addition, this was the last one I put in the crate. This gave it the opportunity to appropriately cuddle with its’ litter mates.
It was very healing to be able to watch and encourage life. War and combat are full of pain. Volunteering to help the wounded was one of the most rewarding and difficult things I have ever done. There are aspects of this duty that will always stay with me and I still have trouble processing. In fact, I began seriously numbing during my medivac and hospital volunteering. Spending time with Claire, who is a great mom, showed me that I still have feelings and can develop attachments. Watching her give life and care for the little ones helped reawaken positive feelings. I been through and watched so much loss that seeing life is always amazing.
Due to my time with the puppies I am now “invested” in them and their future in the program. I know how important these dogs can be in helping develop positive life changes. I look forward to seeing them grow and help others. I can’t wait to see them receive and give love. My favorite, the white one, took its’ first four legged steps when I was visiting yesterday. The green one was able to begin the first step process. All the puppies are extremely cute and amazing. BOURKE looks forward to future playmates.
BOURKE and April
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Please Comment!
Kristina Nash
I wish I could’ve been there to see their first steps. It’s just like seeing the first step of your child, it is something truly amazing! They are definitely on their way to become great assistance dogs, it’s only a matter of time!
David Riley
Wow that must have been a great moment in your life to witness such a miracle of this puppies in there first couple days of there lives. I have never gotten to experience puppies at such a young age, I would love to be able to though and with my class and this program I hopefully will be able to. But im not sure if they should let me I might try and steal one. Im sure what you have saw in your time in the military was very hard, please keep up all the hard work and Bourke will always be by your side now to help you when you need him.
Georgianna H
I would have loved to help out with the puppies first few days of life. I have never seen dogs when they are that young. I know they must be super adorable! I would probably also like the white one because I love to cuddle with my animals. I’m glad they were able to help you feel better.