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Alumni Letters
- Published in: Update - Issue 3 - 2009
- Listen to Article
Dear Leader Dog,
Photo caption:Kellie’s pet boxer, Ella, and children, Mary Elisabeth and Mark pose with Sparkle.
I wanted to let you know that the most amazing and wonderful friend I have ever had or known has passed away. You gave me a gift whose name was Sparkle. My instructor, Sue, introduced us and my life was forever changed. Because of Sparkle I finished college ahead of schedule and began a family. I wanted you to know that she not only watched over me, she watched over my precious children as well. Her love and loyalty cannot be described with words. We spent almost eleven years together, and for that I thank all of you.
She went peacefully, in my arms and looking into my eyes. She was my eyes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving Sparkle to me. We are all the better because she touched our lives. I believe that she is an extra special angel, as are all of the beloved dogs who changed someone’s life for the better.
Thank you,
Kellie Givens
Dear Leader Dog,
My Dad, Billy Hendrix, has had two great Leader Dogs, Mason and Walnut. Walnut died yesterday with my dad by his side. Walnut was a great joy not only for my dad but also the family.
Walnut was a very gentle, kind, loving Leader Dog. He took on the personality of a human instead of a dog. He loved my dad as my dad loved him. He was a great joy for all of us. Walnut was a son, a brother, an uncle and a Very Best Friend.
I would personally like to thank everyone who has played a part in raising, feeding, supporting, and training a Leader Dog. I Thank You!
Sincerely,
Teresa Hunt
Daughter of Billy Hendrix, Sister of Walnut
Old Piece of Leather
By Carroll Jackson, in memory of
Leader Dog “Jack” January 31, 1996 – June 1, 2009
Photo caption:Carroll Jackson and Leader Dog “Jack”
I have an old piece of leather that’s long and brown and smooth,
with metal clips and a ring that form a leash so strong and true.
One side has a brand that boldly says LEADER DOG with pride.
On the edge are nip marks, he put there on our very first day,
as if to say this leash now is mine.
I have an old piece of leather that’s soft and warm and strong,
it carries all the memories of miles we walked along.
Curbs and doorways that were found and hazards avoided,
streets safely crossed and airports we smartly traversed.
Most of all I will remember the joy that comes from independent
mobility.
I have an old piece of leather that means the world to me, because it was Jack’s, my first LEADER DOG, who surrendered his eyes, his intelligence, his love and loyalty.
Dedicated to his calling, eager to be going and steadfast to the end, he gave me his skills, his focus and his eagerness to please.
These are the memories that will always remain with me.
I have an old piece of leather that I will always keep,
for when I hold it I feel him there, so warm and so strong.
Forever linked through a bond, that only he and I will share.
Dear Leader Dog,
Photo caption:John Culasso and Leader Dog “Ronja"
In a cold month of January - that was when my life changed. In the class of Leader Dogs for the Blind many expectations were met, accompanied by a fantastic group of students, lots of snow and a great team of instructors. She appeared, a yellow labrador named Ronja. A great challenge began a great change in my life. Not only with more security by walking through the streets of my city, Belo Horizonte, but by what it means to be next to wonderful company.
From Brazil, I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to share one month together in Rochester and now, to be sharing my life with Ronja.
Juan P. Culasso