Dewey...my savior, teacher, & friend...cherished in a love that transcends time...
"I thought I was rescuing him...little did I know, he'd return the favor..."
It's hard to imagine my life without Dewey in it... he brought me hope, joy, and an understanding of this thing we call "life"... His absence leaves a huge hole, yet his memory leaves me with so much more...
"I wanted to give up....I tried, but something wouldn't let me...that something was Dewey."
"He was so much more than a dog to me...he was my guardian angel...He saved my life. He started this program, and it is my promise to him that I will continue it in a way that does him proud."
"On our last day together, I had a very long talk with him. As we sat over looking at a beautiful water fall surrounded by flowers and fall foliage, I vowed that his work would not be in vain. Every open door would be dedicated to him, and his name would be remembered as a great ambassador for service dogs everywhere...He looked up and kissed me."
"Dewey was known to many, and loved by all. His grace, innate understanding, and compassion made him a true gift..not just to me, but to all he touched with this program he created."
"When it was time for him to retire, and we brought Dawson into our home, I was concerned that Dewey might feel jealous...He seemed to know it was time to pass on his backpack, and it did it with the grace and dignity that he showed throughout his life. He and Dawson ended up becoming the very best of friends."
I've been astounded by the outpouring of support by Canine and Abled supporters, friends, and fellow dog lovers following Dewey's death. On behalf of my family, we offer our deeptest gratitude. The following is a card sent by some very dear Canine and Abled audience members, whom I am proud to have developed a friendship with. -- Thank you, Wendy & Terry
I've been asked several times about how Dawson is doing during this highly emotional time. As always, he is performing his job flawlessly, working overtime to ensure that my tears are licked away, and that his warm body remains a comfort to me through the lonely nights. He is a bit more attentive to me these days, I think it's his way of mourning. All in all, he's okay. I think he knows he's got big shoes to fill, and is going about doing so with the tenacity and intuitiveness that makes him a great service dog in his own right. He is also a great buffer for my daughter, as she finds comfort in knowing that although her Dewey is gone, she still has Dawson to love, talk to, and spoil. Dawson sends his regards to everyone, and his gratitude for loving his big brother.
"This is something I could never have imagined doing...now I can't imagine myself doing anything else... Dewey gave me a new dream, and I am forever indebted to him for that. He gave me strength when I was weak, and taught me to embrace the world that terrified me so. "
"Always a gentle giant... Many people view Dewey as a great service dog...and he was, no doubt...one of the best, I believe... but even more so, he was a intrical part of our family; his never-ending patience and always gentle, loving temperament made him even more special. What made his tolerance for my daughter even more amazing was that he'd never met a child until he was nearly eight years old, and took to her as though they grew up together...anyone who knows dogs, knows how utterly unusual this is....yet another piece of proof that this angel was heavensent for this very special purpose."
"...And think of him as living In the hearts of those he touched. For nothing loved is ever lost, And he was loved so much. ~E Brenneman"
