Graduation!

Waiting to get dressed :::::::::::::::::: Class of 2008

Shanti and Wes "graduated" today. I woke early (a little after 5 a.m......eek!) to start smoking the turkey. You know, the one bought on Thanksgiving day while we were at Kroger. We decided that smoked turkey would be great for our graduation celebration meal. While the turkey smoked, Shanti got a bath. I was better prepared this time for the bath. Typically Wes bathes Shanti and the first time I did it, it was a fiasco. Water was everywhere! After the bath, which apparently wore out Shanti, he rested while I went to Kroger to pick up a few last minute items. Side dishes were prepared and then we all got ready to go.

The graduation took place in the St. Francis barn. This was the same place where the halloween party was. The only difference this time was the temperature. It was cold outside and the barn is not heated, so it was very cold inside as well. (You may be able to see the propane tanks and blowers in some of the pics. There were also hand warmers placed on many of the chairs for people to use if they wanted) Shanti was very excited when we pulled into the St. Francis complex. As we walked into the barn, he was very excited, as well, to see some of his ol' dog pals there. I guess between the excitement and the cold, he got choked up. He coughed a couple of times and out popped a small doggie treat which did not have even one little tooth mark in it. (I suggested to Wes that he could recycle it.....but I don't think he did) Then, Shanti coughed a couple more times and proceeded to barf partially processed dog food...right there in front of the door. Well, we were off to an interesting start! My comment was....gosh he is just like a kid...having to clean up after him. :) For the next 10 minutes or so he kept coughing and every 4th or 5th time it would be a combination bark/cough. One of the St. Francis people brought him a cup of water and after he slurped it up, he was quiet. I guess that was all he needed. Shortly after that his puppy trainer, Sharon, came and took Shanti from Wes so that he (Wes) could get positioned on stage and briefed, along with the others, on how the ceremony would enfold.


After brief opening remarks, they presented the dogs to the partners one at a time. (Wes was second in line) The emcee would read about how the dogs have changed the lives of the partners and some of the things they did. At the same time there was a video playing of the dog doing specific tasks for their partner. Shanti was shown throwing trash away (this is something that Wes taught him), picking up his wheel chair "feet", and opening the door for him. Then the partner had a chance to take the mike and say a few words, which was typically how the dog has really made a difference in their life and thanking the raisers, trainers, etc. Wes was very sentimental, got choked up and was unable to finish his prepared "speech". It was touching, to
say the least.



Shanti then layed at Wes' feet while the others had their turn. Shanti, who normally lays very quietly in church, at the movies, etc, wasn't ready to give up his turn in the lime light. After finding me out in the audience, he proceeded to bark about every 1-2 minutes. I thought maybe he was choking again. Wes was petting him and talking to him to get him quiet. It didn't work. Finally, after the program was just about over, I got up out of my chair and retrieved Shanti off the stage. He was led outside where he relieved himself. By the time we got back in the graduates were walking off stage. Poor Wes had to retreat by himself. :( However, Shanti didn't make another sound.



After the ceremony there was a reception. And after the reception we went back to our house for our dinner celebration. While I prepared the pre-dinner snacks, Cat created a centerpiece and decorations. She has a wonderful talent and we love it when she shares it with us! We were joined by Mark and Cat (also came to graduation), Erin (Mark's other daughter), John and Bee, and we were especially pleased that Curt (the boyfriend of Shanti's first partner, Millie) not only sat with me at the graduation but joined us at the house as well. We were happy that Millie and her family were part of the graduation ceremony. Sharon mentioned them before handing Shanti over to Wes. We are grateful that her family recognized Shanti's love of being a service dog. They had the choice to keep him as their family dog, but lovingly returned him to St. Francis so that he could be reassigned. What a wonderful gift.