I said: 'No'.
Why - because I had just had surgery - it was not successful, I could hardly walk right let alone look after a new pup. He persisted.. I said - Only "if" it was dark, and sure enough - Poppy was the only dark pup in the litter. 8 weeks later my tiny, tiny puppy sat on my lap and has not jumped off since! Only to pee and chase squirrels.. o.k. No, joking.
Poppy became my little lap dog and so much more.
She started to "service" me before I even realized. She is now 2.
When I have my severe attacks, she jumps up, licks my face -(which she hardly ever does) and makes a little squeaking noises.. I find before I know it, I'm focusing on her and NOT what is happening to me- I remember to breath and pray - this will pass. It's that simple.
She has become my 'comfort pill'. Healthier than any addictive anxiety medication. *AND this is not anxiety. Problem is- she is so darn cute- no one takes her seriously.
Or me... but a recent chain of events pushed me past 'that' point.
I was told very recently told "you're too nice". I'm not too nice! lol
I just don't want to get people into trouble- sometimes I don't think they even realize what they do/say - I don't know all the time!
From NOW on, I will be taken seriously and so will Poppy.
We will just have to work harder. Right Jo! Right Cathy! (Thanks Ladies - lol)
That is exactly what we are doing! I honestly will admit to crying over my Walmart experience with Poppy. The entire confrontal "What's wrong with you!" thing has just embarrased and depressed me. I just want to buy my f*cking bird seed.
Not be questioned about Poppy every time go in the store. My bluejays love peanuts and I walk there to get them. It gets me out. It keep me focusing on walking and living! I only hope I can continue do it in the winter. So, I was feeling at my end and I remembered to ask - lol How simple is this.
I asked God for help in resolving this matter, I feel too tired to deal with issues sometimes.
The next day the very first e mail is is from care2 and it's all about service dogs!
The first phone call is from Walmart head office.. from what I understand the matter has been addressed and I won't be having anymore issues. Thank you Walmart.
Then I find out September is service dog month! So, I decide to take Poppy to her first library visit! Storm drove me and in we went. All was wonderful, we strolled around, looked at some books, she just stayed by my side, never made a peep. This was my biggest concern- she does not bark when I take her anywhere but not in the library! Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
I decided to read the latest national geographic - animal issues and sure enough a few pages in and it's about dogs that help people! We sat and read about bloodhounds and 'pitties'.
It was quite relaxing, Poppy glanced out the window from time to time at passers by.
We walked home from there and a hike it was! I did make a stop on the way and met a handsome young man named London. Cool name. So - it was a great experience! A win win day! Thank you!
I plan on sharing every great experience! A new adventure awaits!
I did not ask for this & I will not be shamed by it.
Poppy is my service dog - if you don't get that - the problem is yours not mine.
PLEASE show some understanding if you see someone with a service dog and PLEASE do NOT be quick to judge. I know now - it could be for many reasons.
Linda shared she saw a woman at Upper Canada Mall one day with a little dog, in a pink vest with a pink bow in it's head being pushed around in a stroller ? I don't get that.
I do not agree with a dog in a stroller - lol How is this good for a dog? AND yes, I do think this woman is NOT helping with the issue but I don't know her & I don't care, it is the malls decision not mine.
I care about being able to continue to explore this world with Poppy by my side.
She is able to provide me with comfort at a time when humans only seem to look at me with judgement & confusion.
I must just simply remember this myself, certainly not worth wasting tears over.
Just as it has been shown to me. Get ready! All you have to do is comment!
Have a terrific day! I'm off to paint!
<>< xox