My dog Eric's 12th Birthday

We got Eric when he was 7 weeks of age.

He came to us as a foster puppy and we had to socialize him for the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown. That means toilet training, taking him shopping to the Library, in those days the Library was on Jobs Ln. and he was always welcome, even so he put his paws up on the counter to say hello. Post office, busses, trains, you get the idea.

Every chore took so much longer, because I had to make sure, that he had gone to the bathroom before we entered the stores, because the last thing you wanted was, Eric taking a dump or pee in a store. Most stores welcomed him, there where a couple who where not as kind to us then others. Which I could not understand, he was so cute, this little black Lab puppy with his yellow coat, it was a little to big for him at the time, saying guide dog in training. Eventually he grew into it.

Eric has always been this great puppy, being in a good mood and getting along with humans and dogs.

I grew up with cats all my life, so Eric was my first dog with whom I fell in love.

His first and almost last pigs ear, diarrhea for three days. Stealing my sandwich from the coffee table, when I mistakingly thought I had few seconds to get my tea. I chased him around the table, but Eric had that grin on his face while he was running and eating my sandwich. How can you be mad at him, I should have known better. Running to the door and eager to leave the house with me to go shopping. Always so trusting and I can only hope that I did not fail him. Sometimes I think I might expect to much from him, because he is so understanding and easy going. When it was time to give him up, to be in training to become a Guide Dog it was the hardest thing for me. Even so I am totally behind the program, my head was for it and my heart totally against everything I believed. I became so depressed that I had to see a therapist. Few month later we got a call if we would like to take Eric back, because his ear infections caused problems. We of course said yes. I admire all the people who have bigger hearts then I did, who raise Guide dogs, Companion dogs......year after year.

Today is Eric's 12th birthday, he is getting grey around the muzzle and his paws, has Arthritis, Food Allergies and still Ear infections at times, but we go to the beach every day and he loves to swim and tease us with the ball. I love you Eric.

Woof, woof

Sabine