Last week the hearts of our family broke a little as we said goodbye to our beloved Cricket. Just four years ago, sweet Cricket came into our lives. She was born and bred to serve. Her bloodline provides some of the nations greatest seeing eye dogs. As a puppy she spent her first year of life, growing and displaying her gentle ways with her foster family, who named her "Cricket." From there she went to her training with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Over several months, and at the price of several thousand dollars, she proved her natural abilities necessary to be a successful guide dog: intelligent, loyal, focused, obedient, both a leader and a follower. After 7+ years of being a guide dog to an incredibly amazing woman, Becky Andrews, and after both giving and receiving an abundance of love, it was time for Cricket to retire. Becky is a member of our local Mormon congregation. By divine providence, we caught wind that she was hoping to place Cricket in a home for what she called an "open adoption," meaning that when her family came into town and wanted to snuggle Cricket, they would be welcome, and when we went out of town on any trips, Cricket would stay with her whilst we were away. To say it was idyllic would be an understatement. Our children immediately fell in love with her kind, gentle ways. She regularly was overfed and over-treated by the family, all 8 of us being guilty of attempts to spoil a dog who couldn't spoil. In her last few months, it became apparent that her age was starting to show. She slowed down, panted heavily for no apparent reason, and couldn't kick a very persistent cough, in spite of medication and excellent medical care. After a few meetings with Becky and her husband, we determined that it was time to ease Cricket's suffering, and send her to receive her well deserved Heavenly Reward. In truth, I always thought it silly that my sweet dog was named after another animal. I used to joke with visitors when I introduced her by saying "This is Cricket, but she's a dog... not a Cricket." A few days after we put her down, I was reading Pinnochio to Norman, and it occurred to me for the very first time that Pinocchios conscience is named "Cricket," with the job to guide, direct, and help. I now appreciate the name my dog carried. She will be missed.
What a classy dog.
We went over to the Andrews to say our goodbyes and got to be there when she passed.
Not related, but somehow important, this is 4 days after Becky ran the Boston marathon.
Becky and Steve are simply high-quality individuals. Becky is the most active, positive person that I know, notwithstanding being visually impaired.
She wrote an incredible book about her journey with losing her sight, becoming a therapist, and the guide dogs that have helped her achieve independence. It really is a wonderful read.
https://www.amazon.com/Look-move-forward-journey-resilience-ebook/dp/B01GPAIIRA/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524874981&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=becky+andrews+Looking+up
Becky gave these little ceramic paw heart tiles to the kids.
About 1.5" big, they're perfect for a jewelry box or nightstand;
a sweet reminder of our Cricket. We called her our Dog Hero, and indeed she was.
