arby anniversary

Arbuckle anniversary!

September 20 is a very special day for a very special Yellow Labrador named Arbuckle (that’s me!)
Yes Mr. Arbuckle or Arby as they call me began my very special life 3 years ago. For as you know, I am a guide dog and 3 years ago I graduated from Guide Dog school.
September 20 started off as a normal day as I awoke, shook myself and waited for my new guide dog user Clark(or Dad as I call him) let me off my tie-down and give me my breakfast. After Clark dressed and had his morning coffee it would be time for me to take my daddy to breakfast in the dining room located on the campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
After breakfast and a short obedience session everyone was dismissed to take care of their personal chores which had us returning to our room and I went back to lying around on my bed and watched dad packing and I immediately went into anxious and curiosity mode. About the same time that I hit his button I sensed something else up in the air coming through the dormitory. Not sure what it was but knowing it was important I can assure you and with my sensory on alert I was now watching dad with a very keen sense. It did not take him long and soon he was packed or I should say he had his belongings packed and then he started packing my gear and now I was more than curious.
Usually by this time of the day dad and I would have been loading the bus and going somewhere for one of those walks I took him on but not today. Hmmmmm, what’s up?
Then I realized it was lunch time for dad and he put my harness on and we walked together toward the dining room one more time and I would lie on the floor and hope that something fell… but no luck!
Exiting the dining room and heading back to our room I heard much commotion going on in the lounge but did not pay any attention, at the same time I could sense something in the air, kind of like a party atmosphere.
Upon reaching our room dad started talking to me but I was not really listening as I was trying to figure out what was up and then there was a knock on our door. I healed over to the door with dad and he was told that there was company in the lounge for us. He gathered up my harness and we then walked the hall and as we entered, to my delight there was the family that raised me. Mom who had raised me and her daughters, the boys could not make it. But wow, wasn’t this a great day and I could not contain myself as I was wiggling everywhere, from my nose to the tip of my tail. I think I even managed to do a back flip or two. This was a great day! Soon the cameras were out and my picture was taken and then I heard someone say it is time and dad and I were escorted into this big room and now we were sitting in a row with all of my other K9 buddies that had been in class yep this was a special day and although I was not quite sure what was next, I was ready!

You see I had been raised for this by the Clark family, then I had spent 6 months learning how to work in a harness and then I had managed to work with this big guy named Clark Roberts and now I was being given to him in a special ceremony and then he told me lets go as we were off to the airport.
Now I don’t know about you humans but us dogs when we get on an airplane have it rough, yep first there is security and I have enough metal on me that no matter how cute I look I always get hands on, and that is a good thing.
Then there is the airplane itself. I enter and everyone lights up like a VIP has just entered the room, this is to my liking as well. Just another day for me, you know the saying… A Dog’s life…!
Upon reaching Seattle dad would grab his bags and we would walk through the airport and exit the building. I was walking with my head held high and watching all the people looking at me like I was a star. Exiting the airport it was a cool September evening and I was not sure what I was looking for but dad said “that’s okay, Arby. We will find our way together.” About this exact moment a van pulled up and the door flew open and Becca excitedly stated Arby I love you oh yes Arby I love you. I would wiggle my way into the van, dad would take off my harness and I would take my usual position between the seats. Then we would be off to home where I soon would meet this big boy who would play tug a war with me and would also bring his stinky workout clothes home lay them on the floor and this meant they were fair game to roll around in. Life is good.
Yes I have had a great 3 years living with this guy named Clark Roberts, traveling and being on stage as he speaks, having my picture taken, playing with Becca and Jacob, and leaving my hair all over the house and all over their clothes just so they will remember me… oh yes life is good and I am one blessed dog!
Alrighty my K9 friends and those on foot!
Wags To You!
Arby