(no subject)

[crypticgirl]

Today I found out I won't be getting Ashton back. The meds seem to be helping him, but the school has determined that the behaviour issues we were seeing - which were caused by his size and my subsequent inability to control him properly - weren't going to go away. The instructors will arrange a chance to say a proper goodbye and I will go back on the waiting list for another dog.

I don't really have any words for how this makes me feel right now.

Comments

[mynxii.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this :( *gentle cuddle*

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Thank you. *cuddles back*

[purpletigress.livejournal.com]

Oh you poor thing. That's terrible. I'm really glad I got to meet him, but I'm so sorry you two have to say goodbye. As a pet owner, I just can't imagine what you must be going through.

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

This is hard. Some of my friends have had to retire guide dogs after having them for ten years. While that doesn't lessen my pain or my experience, it does put it in perspective.

I'm missing him, though, and I have no idea how I'll adjust to a new dog.

Ashton

[jordina.livejournal.com]

Hi Leah. I am so sorry to hear that things won't work out for you and Ashton as a team. At this point I imagine it's pretty hard to think of future partnerships. I'll call you tomorrow at work if you have time for a chat. Lots of love, and support.
Jordie

Re: Ashton

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the support Jordie. Thinking of what you've been through with your boys over the last few months has been comforting. It both makes me feel like what I'm going through is natural and okay, and gives me some pause for thought because I didn't have Ashton anywhere near as long as you had Iljin.

*hugs* I'll try calling you tomorrow if I can.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

I'm so, so sorry. :( :(

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Thank you. And *hugs*. The universe seems to be conspiring against us both this year, doesn't it? Maybe it will hear a good fart joke and get distracted soon.

[madradish.livejournal.com]

Huge *hugs* hon. :(

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Thank you. *hugs back*

[samari76.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear about Ashton. It's unfortunate that sometimes we have to let them go for their sake as well as ours. But I'm glad they're giving you a chance to say goodbye to him propperly.

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm glad about the goodbye too. I'm going to make sure it's arranged so Matt can be there too - Ashton was a part of our family.

[mum2hailey.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to hear that. I hope you're able to get to the top of the list soon!

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks Cyn.

They've got a batch of dogs going through now, but apparently most of them have already been matched. Otherwise it looks like it'll be March or April at the least. Both options have advantages and disadvantages: on the one hand it'd be good to get on with things, on the other hand some emotional distance between grieving Ashton and getting a new dog could be helpful.

[ghoath.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this.
Mum was asking me about Ashton on the weekend and I had a funny feeling that this sort of news would be coming soon.

I was so privelleged to have my assessment walk with Ashton. It is sad to know he won't be working, because I could feel how much he enjoyed it.

Lots of sadness, hugs and support from me Kerry and Mum, and anyone else who met Ashtom over here.

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks Gemma. This means a lot to me because although some of the people on my friends' list have met him, you guys are the only ones who have worked with him and you really do understand what this means for the poor boy.

He'll have a good life, I know that. He's such a lovely big sook that I'm sure he'll be loved and cared for where-ever he goes. But it's still sad.

[molly80.livejournal.com]

Hi Leah,
I'm so sorry to hear about Ashton. Am sending you hugs your way.
Hugs
Melissa

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Hey Melissa, thanks for the hugs. Have some from me - you've had a much rougher time of things lately than I have! *hugs for Melissa and Safari*

[thefurball.livejournal.com]

Hey there Leah sorry to hear about Ashton. I've only had Apache now for 7 months but i can't imagine going back to not having him. I had no idea the bond between a guide dog and the handler would get as strong as ours has. Big hugs from me.

[crypticgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks Danny. I'm glad to hear things are going well for you and your boy. Give him some extra pats from me, please.