Dear Service Dog Project, I was thinking about DiDi being 4 years old…she has graced my l

DearService Dog Project,

I was thinking about DiDi being 4 years old…she has graced my life for 2 ½ years. I continue to learn from my amazing DiDi. We have been together now for 4 short years. 

I can’t help but reflect on how she has helped me through some difficult life experiences, made me laugh when I needed to, and continues to see me through daily challenges. I am surprised by the ever growing number of people whose lives have been touched my beautiful best friend.

Several examples: a newly married young woman sitting next to DiDi and I on the airplane to Salt Lake City Utah had terrible flight anxiety requiring medication, but DiDi’s attention soothed to the point where she didn’t need her medication.

Skipping to last week, when my husband woke up at 2am with excruciating stomach pain. We ended up in the emergency room at the hospital, where I am immensely uncomfortable and queasy. But DiDi kept me calm and ok through the next 4 ½ hrs as doctors, nurses, a surgeon, and an internal specialist all came and went; some without even knowing DiDi was there. We were then sent to the ICU for the next 4 days as a team of doctors worked to find out what was wrong with Larry. 

Again, DiDi helped me through long days with Larry in the ICU. At one point, another patients family member saw us in the hallway and asked me to bring DiDi in to see his father in one of the ICU rooms. DiDi seemed to know just what to do to quietly cheer up the gentleman. His delight at seeing her was evident in his smile and sparkling eyes. I couldn’t see his monitors, but bet his life sign numbers (heart rate, blood pressure, etc) improved, if only momentarily. Turned out, Larry had pancreatitus and a gangrenous gall bladder, which was removed. ICU nurses, doctors, specialists, surgeons, and cleaning staff were impressed with my regal lady as pictures were taken, discussions ensued, and attitudes brightened. 

Thank you again Carlene and SDP associates, 

Karen