June 18, 2005 - 9:20 PM
I dedicate this writing to Katie, a young lady who let Geneva into her heart almost a year ago, thinking it would be forever, and after about 3 months, had to let her go so that she could be a guide dog.
As I wrote earlier, Geneva had originally been selected to be a breeder for GDB. At that time, she was placed with Nancy and Lary McDermott & their 13-year-old daughter, Katie. This would be the McDermott's first dog from GDB, and sadly, maybe their last.
As I think I've expressed throughout my writings, Geneva is a very social and affectionate dog and so it doesn't take long for her to blend into a family. She is a very sweet and gentle spirited German Shepherd, very easy to love, and the McDermott's, especially Katie, fell totally and completely in love with her.
Although upon getting her the McDermott's had to sign papers clearly explaining GDB policy of what would happen if for any reason Geneva didn't work out as a breeder, they never imagined this could happen to them. When a dog does not work out as a breeder during the first year, the dog goes back to GDB. And so it was for Geneva, leaving behind a devistated family who to this day still miss their special German Shepherd girl.
Tonight, I called and spoke with Nancy & then Katie. I have already emailed to them my journal thus far and have added them to my journal list. But as I spoke with Nancy, and she assured me how happy she was for me to have Geneva, I knew that my gain is still very much their loss. As we were almost ready to hang up, Katie realized who her mom was talking with and said, "Don't I get to talk?" I heard her and said that of course I'd love to talk with Katie.
I don't know if I handled this part of the call as well as I could've, but I wanted Katie to know how glad I am to have Geneva, that she's working well for me as a guide dog and that we all love her very much. I let her talk to Geneva by placing the phone to Geneva's ear, and I heard Katie saying, "Hi Neevers." Geneva's ears twitched as she heard that familiar voice. And when Katie asked me to give Geneva a hug, of course I did, and I told her who it was from, too.
I hung up the phone somehow feeling sad and thankful at the same time. Sad because I would've really liked to have been there in person and allowed Katie to give Geneva her hug and for me to be able to hug that whole family. And so very thankful to the Frisbie's & McDermott's for allowing Geneva into their lives, loving and nurturing her the way that they did.
When I had to say good-bye to Spud after only being together for three months, I know how difficult that was for me. I know how much I have missed him, and I know how much I want to know that he is in a good and loving home again.
I hope that for Katie & her parents, the healing can begin for their loss now that they know Geneva is in a good and loving home and that she truly is enjoying her guide work, is very happy, and has brought an over abundance of joy into my life.
Katie, my commitment to you is, I will honor your love for Geneva by taking good care of her and working with her always with love and appreciation.
Hugs & wags,
Cindy & Geneva
