Dembre graduated! It has been one of
the best days of my life. First we got to the rec center where they hold the graduations and got to take Dembre out and get a bunch of pics (which you'll see below). Then we handed Dembre back to his trainer and went to lunch with his new partner, Imelda. She is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met and she makes the most perfect match with Dembre. She loves him and he returns that emotion quite clearly. It was so amazing to hear her stories about him and all the things that he does for her and then getting to share photos and stories from my time with Dembre. Imelda lives a quiet life of prayer, which is great because we have our faith in common. Before hand I was scared that there wouldn't be enough to say, but that wasn't the case. Our hour long lunch flew by and was gone before I knew it!
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| So proud of that boy!!!!!!! |
Then came the ceremony! I got Dembre back and walked him around to meet more of my friends and say "hi." Both of my grand mothers came as well as three families that are friends of ours. Then I got to walk up and hook Dembre's leash on to Imelda's wheelchair and give her a hug. I got to watch some of my wonderful friends turn-in their dogs and hand over their dogs at graduation! It was SO SO SO amazing!
You cannot describe the feeling of utter fulfillment and happiness when you get to hand over that leash and say, "here's your puppy." The moment I saw Dembre I knew he wasn't mine. He looked and looked for Imelda when I had him, because she's his new leader. It's great!
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| one more "lap" |
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| Handsome as ever |
The other amazing thing about graduation was all the support that I received. I can't recall how many of my wonderful CCI puppy raising friends came up to me and gave me a hug and said that they were so very proud of Dembre and I. All of my CCI mentors were there cheering me on and it was so encouraging. I even got quite a few CCI staff members saying that they were so excited for me. It's indescribable. Watching all these people I respect so much tell me how much the care!!!! I want to thank all of
you readers for all your support via comments and sharing. Many of you have watched Dembre grow up from the time he was 2 months old and I thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement.
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| Reunited once more |
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| Me and my boys!!! |
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| Those eyes |
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| handing over the leash! |
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| Imelda, Dembre, and I!!! |
Thanks again for everything!!!!!!
with so much joy
~Elijah & Hobart II (saying goodbye to Dembre)
