Selfish

In many of my posts regarding Fred, I discussed the hardships and challenges of being service dog trainer, having to let that deep piece of my heart go when the time came. In this post, I want to focus on all of the amazing privileges I enjoy doing the work I do, and why my job is just as selfish as it is selfless. Betty keeps me in the moment. I know I don't have to tell any of you...presence in the now is the gift dogs give to people. In my case, this means I don't dwell on missing Fred or feel sad when I remember our time together in the past; nor do I worriedly contemplate a future without Betty. We are here together now, and using every moment to the max!

I have the honor of accompanying this precious soul on this part of her very important journey. How blessed am I? I get to bring this incredible puppy with me everywhere I go! As a trainer working on desensitization and public access training with a service dog-to-be, I enjoy the same rights and privileges as do service dogs' human partners. This means I get to speak with many people about the work I do, share Betty's story, share Betty herself! I get to be an ambassador for all things service-dog related, and educate people about something that I love doing and talking about. What an awesome opportunity! I get to practice being my very best at any given moment I am with Betty. A moment with Betty is either an opportunity to learn, a time to play and enjoy life, a time to work and be challenged, a time to relax and snuggle. All moments allow for giving and receiving love of the greatest magnitude. The dogs I train help me grow, and I would not be a fraction of who I am without their influence. I get to make a positive impact on a child and family that need and deserve one BIG TIME. Needless to say, what I give to these dogs and this process and the families, I GET BACK A THOUSAND TIMES OVER.

#bettywhite #betty #servicedogintraining #puppy #autism