Well this week went way too fast!!!! Yesterday morning Sally and I went down to the lobby at the hotel we were staying in and got coffee. Then headed onto base. The Division General was coming by to see the program getting started at Ft Stewart. Sally and I went, to let him see a team. It was neat meeting him. He had a real interest in the program and seemed to want to do whatever he could to help. We were supposed to leave yesterday but the general wanted to meet with the staff and see what was needed from him so we got delayed. No problem on my part!! This is a great alliance that will help others to receive dogs.
Afterwards Sally and I went out to the hotel and chilled, for a while. Terry and I had talked about the trip back to NC. One of the things that Terry got ready before the change, was a water jug for the dogs. I figured that Sally and I could go back down to Walmart and get one. Initially we went to Lowe's. Then to Walmart. We spent approximately 45 minutes in the store again. Not a lot for most. Today we made the trip back to NC. Sally rode with me and we followed Terry. We stopped at each rest area that we came to. This was to help me see that Sally would be able to help me, by "watching my back". She did great. The first stop I had some real anxiety about. Terry stood back and watched, to see how we both did. Each stop Sally did her job with the "Pay Attention" command. There was once that she didn't though. But I worked through it. Each stop got a little bit easier and less stressful. Sally and I would find a spot where we were in the path of traffic. I would tell Sally to "Pay Attention" and turn my attention to something else. Overall she did GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!! By the time we got to the last rest area before we parted ways I actually felt as comfortable as I could. My back and shoulders were a little sore from the earlier stops but I did relax a little. Sally really is a help!!!!! Thanks again to all of those who have been involved in her training!!!!!!!
I have been asked a couple times what it was that made me go to Walmart and Lowe's on my own with Sally. To tell the truth it was a question that was asked of me earlier in the week. Terry and I were talking and he told me that he felt Sally was pretty much ready to go with me. He then asked if I was ready for her. At the time I told him I wasn't sure. I started asking myself the same question. I also started asking what I needed to do to find out if I was ready. Most of the other clients that have received dogs have had a close support group, of family. I know that my family and friends are there if I need them. The thing is most of that support is 1400 miles away. I know that I do have a few here that will support me if I need it too. The thing is with me is the freedom that I felt this week. I have no intentions of making Walmart my main shopping center. But the fact is, that if I do want to go, with Sally I can. Just a small amount of independence. The fact that I wouldn't have to rely on others to go get a gallon of milk at a grocery store. The ability of going somewhere with out having a feeling of putting some one else out, to have them go with me. I can't even come up with the words to explain this feeling. Don't know if the term baby step can apply to this last week. I have already had a couple people tell me that this week was more like leaps and bounds. I just hope they are forward!!! Thanks again to all involved, the paws4people staff, the inmates that have trained with Sally, the soldiers that help me this weekend, my group here at Lejeune, and my family. I am still trying to move forward.
