A year ago today, I flew home with Diesel, my new and very
energetic second guide dog. At that time Diesel and I were still trying to
figure each other out. One thing I knew for certain was that life with Diesel
was not going to be dull. And I have been right about that.
Diesel was only eighteen months when I received him from
Pilot Dogs. When he was first given to me, he was very difficult to handle. He
did not know who I was and as a result acted like a wild animal. Thankfully, a
lot of his out of control behavior diminished some after a few days of being
together.
Once we got home last summer, we immediately had to begin
working on my college campus. A new dog and a difficult path to a class meant
that I had a difficult and interesting few weeks.
The biggest challenge however, was not the new school year,
but adjusting to Diesel. He is so different than my first guide dog. Bristol was so calm.
Diesel has a lot more energy and has a tendency to get over-excited. But with
time, some of that over exuberant behavior has calmed down.
A year later I am beginning to enjoy working with him. The
bond was slow to come this time. I know that part of that stems from losing Bristol so suddenly. I
didn’t have time to grieve before I had to begin training with Diesel. My heart
was not in it at first.
In fact, I questioned last summer whether I was ready for
another dog. But I knew that without a dog, my life would be more difficult. A
guide dog gives me so much more freedom than a cane does. My friend Jill has
helped me to understand that I have to think of the positive aspects. Yes, I
will inevitably have to go through another devastating loss. I hope that that
is years from now. The reward of having a guide dog is stronger than the
painful loss though. I know that throughout my life, I will have many dogs to
keep my life interesting and fun.
So how has Diesel changed in the last year? As I’ve already
said, he is calmer. When I first came home with him, I couldn’t touch him
without him going crazy with excitement. Today I am able to sit down beside him
and pet him without being jumped on. He has also become more loving. At first
his excitement level prevented much affection between us. Now I can reach down
and hug him.
One thing that has not changed, and I’m glad it hasn’t, is
his fun personality. Ever heard of the class clown? That is Diesel wherever he
goes!
The last year with Diesel has certainly been a fun one. We
both have changed in so many ways. I hope to have many more anniversaries with
Diesel on August twelfth.