One of my dogs was Zeus, a service dog. Used to sniff out narcotics by the police, he had to be retired due to hip dysplasia at age five. We were the lucky ones chosen to be his retirement home.
But this blog entry isn't about Zeus; it's about Elias, a retired guide dog belonging to my friend, Kathy. I have written about her before. She is an amazing teacher with many accolades for her teaching. She has a been a blogger on The Huffington Post, authored two books, and travels the country as a motivational speaker with her faithful guide dog, Nacho, navigating obstacles for her.
Before Nacho, Kathy's guide dog was a yellow Lab named Elias.
2015 was a heady year for the pair. As Indiana's Teacher of the Year, she traveled throughout the state for speaking engagements, dinners, and seminars. Elias went with her, guiding her through countless unfamiliar places and waiting patiently by her side as she spoke or taught.
Bo Obama even shared his personal water bowl with Elias!
You may have noticed the grey on his muzzle in these photos. Elias was nine at the time and needed to be retired just after Kathy went to the White House. Her parents, who live a few blocks from Kathy, took him in as they had done with her previous two guide dogs, and Kathy began working with Nacho.
Kathy speaking at Sheridan High School in August with Nacho using her as a pillow.
Elias was happy in his retirement, and Kathy saw him nearly every day. When Nacho would be done working, she often would take him over there to play with Elias and enjoy just being a dog. (Work-Nacho is very dignified, focused, and quiet; Play-Nacho is hilariously goofy and playful.)
Elias passed away yesterday at almost age 13. Kathy texted me the night before saying that he was doing poorly and the time to let him go was close. Just as he had spent his life being there for her, she was there with him until the very end, shepherding him to the next life where he will be waiting to be reunited with her.
I learned from Zeus just how much good a service dog can do, but I never needed Zeus for his service or to guide me. I can only imagine how close you would become to a dog whom you relied on daily for help in accomplishing the myriad things on your plate. What an incredible wrench to your heart to say good-bye.
Rest in peace, Elias. You deserve all the doggy treats, tennis balls, and grassy meadows there are in heaven. And thank you so much for your service to my dear friend, Kathy. You truly blessed her life, and the lives of those she touched with your aid.
