Sunday, October 21, 2012

a happy visit....

Does this sweet girl look familiar?? Yup..... that's Ginger!!!! Today Kathleen and I packed up Monty, Camille and Rylie and headed down see Ginger at the church where she now "works". Last weekend, the church held a blessing for the animals, but with Abbie's birthday party, I couldn't go. So, I said to Kathleen.. "how about we go this week" and she was up for a road trip... so off we went.  We didn't tell anyone we were coming, and so when Ginger saw us.. this was the look on her face... she was beyond excitement (and not very service dog acting) when she saw us again. She didn't really know who to greet first - me, Kathleen or the other dogs, and tried to say hello to everyone all at the same time. (and no she isn't really allowed on the pew!!!)
Because it was church.. and time for the service... Pastor Jane (after greeting us as most excitingly as Ginger had)... collected Ginger and we enjoyed a very nice service. I was pretty happy with Rylie.. this was the first time she attended church, and she was very good --- now I feel I can start bringing her to my church!!!
Monty has been going to church for months.. so he knew the drill and once service started, he settled right down. Which was very helpful to Rylie.. because she just copied Monty and Camille.....
During the service... time had been set aside to award a Bible to one of the members of the church.. sadly, they were not there to receive it. But when Pastor Jane realized this, she asked Kathleen and I (and dogs in tow) to come to the front of the church. Knowing that we had missed the blessing last week, she took a few moments and gave a special blessing to Monty, Camille and Rylie... and then presented us with a small tag for their collars that says "I have been blessed" on one side and a cross on the other...it was quite wonderful.....
After church, Pastor Jane asked if I wanted to take Ginger out and have some time with her. Course I jumped at that chance... did lots of hugging and got some photos of "my" three puppies all together. The day was a perfect fall day... the trip with Kathleen was such fun, and of course seeing Ginger and Pastor Jane again, was more than great.
We heard many wonderful stories about Ginger and the work she is doing as ministry dog. She has been a comfort to people who are sick (and some dying)... she has gone a missions trip (and flew on a commercial airplane)... she has worked with the youth of the church, and it a part of the Sunday services... everyone loves her, and she is perfect for this "job".




Next month Pastor Jane and Ginger will "officially" graduate from NEADS.. and we are all excited about attending graduation and giving the Maine Chapter "ya-hoo" when they cross the stage. And the work that they will do together will certainly add joy and comfort to many lives. I am just so honored to have been a stepping stone in the life of this wonderful dog....and so excited to know that I can see her every so often.  It certainly was a "happy visit".....