Life With Lucy: The Little Things that Make it Worth It

Having a service dog in training is more than just the long hours of exercises and daily exposure to public environments.

"Mommy! She can't bring a dog in here!" is what I often hear children say as I walk into Target or the grocery store.
"That's a special dog," mothers say.
"Well, my dog is special! I want to bring him in here too!"

Training my own service dog is exhausting, and at times I've really just wanted to give up. When I see a child's first exposure to Lucy, it's one of those the little moments make me smile and say I'm thankful for Lucy despite the daunting responsibility. I want my partnership with Lucy to be a chance to teach children about the uniqueness of service animals as well as help them learn to appreciate and understand people with disabilities as people just like themselves.

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

A year ago today, my service dog Lucy was born. Now as she sleeps at my feet, I look back on the past seven months we've been a part of each other's lives and think how much richer and more fulfilled my life feels now that I have her by my side every day than it would if I were to continue living the way I had lived prior to knowing she existed.
Because of her, I finally know what it means to love someone more than yourself and to care for someone's well being more than your own. I am so excited to watch her continued progress as she grows and to finally get our first full year as a team underway. Who knows where she will be this time next year? Thanks everyone for all your support! We look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you soon!

Happy Birthday Lucy, thanks for being such a good friend and helper. I love you!

Merry Christmas!

So, I realize I've been a bit negligent in posting anything new lately. Sorry for the delay! I've been busy reading up on blogging and trying to sort this whole business of creating a blog out. (I'm not very tech savvy, you know.)

Speaking of reading, I read Lucy T'was the Night Before Christmas and the Christmas story in the Bible last night before bed, and she fell asleep before I finished! The poor thing was spent! Either that or she was trying to get a jump start on waiting for Santa! hehe!

Santa was quite generous this year. I don't think I need to go shopping for clothes for about the next ten years and Lu did pretty well for a dog's first Christmas! She got four new squeaky tennis balls, a chewy bone, a new personalized collar from Grandma, a blanket for her crate, and a Kong tug toy. As an added bonus, I also gave her a day off of training for the holiday. She was a very happy camper! I seriously doubt we'll be needing a trip to Petco anytime within the next century.

We have both enjoyed a relaxing holiday at home with the family in Southern Indiana and are looking forward to what the new year brings. We hope you have enjoyed Christmas as well and find yourself stuffed and in good company! We will see you next year!

-Merry Christmas!
Adria and Lucy

 Cuddling  under the Christmas tree