Sunday, November 18, 2012

graduation day!!!!

It's been a busy time around the farm, and I "fear" that from here to the end of the year, it will only get busier. We sent the first batch of turkeys in last week, and the second went this week.
I will admit, this is the part that I don't really like. I love raising them, and of course, appreciate knowing what's on my table, but I don't like shipping them in. It does come to a point where they become a "pain" to take care of, and they actually get kind of mean towards the end, it's what we got them "for", but still....
Except for some stain/paint.. our little woodshed is complete. Ed really out did himself on this one, and I keep telling him,  it's too pretty to be used just for wood. I think some pretty carriages would look much nicer in there, but wood it will be. (once I begin to stack it, that is!!!)
And today is a day that I have been looking forward to for months!!! Today was the NEADS fall graduation--- Ginger's official graduation, and I couldn't wait to go and see Pastor Jane and Ginger once again!!! They were there when we arrived, and Ginger was just beside herself to see all of us again. Like she did when we visited her at church, she just kept "running" for one person to the next, trying to say hi to all of us at the same time!!!!
She all but climbed into Rick's lap.....
And like wise with Linda. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that she was born to be a "ministry" dog, she has a gift, and she and Pastor Jane are a perfect match.
John Moone opened the ceremony and the tears began. It's such an emotional day-- a great day, but I find myself "all over the place". It makes me appreciate so much, and I am in awe when I see people who obviously have difficulties in their lives use words like "blessed, lucky, happy, excited" over and over again. I am so honored to be able to play a small role in this "service dog world"....
This year's guest speaker was Nick Trout, he is a vet  and author, and has written a number of books about his life as a vet. (sort of like Jame Herriot did). His stories were wonderful and he had us laughing one moment and somber the next. I really enjoyed hearing him.
Camille came along with me as her role of "service dog supporter"... and she and Rylie laid quietly threw the whole ceremony. I just love this little girl, she is certainly a; wonderful dog and my partner in 'crime" for sure.
Twenty six dogs graduated today... with a variety of different jobs. Here is Pastor Jane and Ginger on   the stage receiving their diploma. Pastor Jane told me later that she was over whelmed and a bit choked up, and actually had a hard time speaking when it was her turn. That surprised me, she speaks in front of people all the time, but she said this was "different"...
Afterwards, we got some time to chat and take pictures. Ginger was so silly.. she knew that today was for her!!!
And we got to hear even more stories of the things she and Pastor Jane have been doing together. For such a short time, they have accomplished a lot... and I just know that they will be a blessing to many people in the future. Their work has just begun, and it's exiting to be able to "watch" and see where this all goes.
And who knows what's in store for little Rylie, I am excited about her work as well... I have a very good feeling about this little girl as well..... two years from now, I hope to be back at another graduation - watching her cross the stage!!!!
Moxie girl - as well as Monty - are not far from their turn in dates... time goes by fast when you are puppy raising!!!!
Back when Ginger was on a puppy swap with Linda, she "won" this bed from Cabela's. Linda has been "'saving" it for graduation day, and I would say Ginger was pretty excited about it. Pastor Jane was delighted because Ginger didn't have bed in her office... and now.... Though I have a feeling she won't be using it that much!!!!
 All to soon, the day is over. Days like this ,that have special meaning..  never seem long enough.. time to gather things up and head for home. As we were leaving, Rick snuck in one last hug... and this is "the look"... the "Ginger look".. which is what I think works the best in her duties. Those big brown eyes look right into you soul and calm  you...




The neatest thing is, Ginger is not out of my life. We have already made promises to visit her church again, and Pastor Jane will keep in touch. I understand how rare this is, as a puppy raiser, once your job is done, then it's done. The dogs move on to do their work and become a life partner to the people who need them most... but I have been blessed,I can "keep" this wonderful dog in my life... a gift for sure.  However, life  moves on, Ginger  will be contining in  her good works, and I with mine.......................