Hello everyone!
Here is the next devotional from Sita’s book. The picture is of how Sita now sleeps in hotel beds! She never sleeps with me at home because she has her own comfortable bed and stuffed toys – but on the road, she shares with me. ENJOY!
Jane’s Devotionals
Excerpt from Jane’s Book of Devotionals, “Paw Prints on My Soul: Lessons of A Service Dog”
Jane’s Devotionals
Excerpt from Jane’s Book of Devotionals, “Paw Prints on My Soul: Lessons of A Service Dog”
DEVOTIONAL TEN LEARNING HOW TO TRUST
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; …and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6
There is no way anyone can prepare you for the way your life changes when you become a companion with a service dog. I knew it was going to be different. I hoped it was going to be a bond made in heaven. But I never expected it to be so stressful.
Marlys taught me that when we went out to eat, “Sita can sit, stand or lie on her blanket which is named her place.”
It was our first night out together without a trainer. We walked into a busy restaurant. Entering with a large Labrador retriever in tow was a whole new experience for me. Sita wore her vest that said, “Service Dog, Do Not Pet.” I looked around for a booth or table that had room for a blanket, a lab, and me.
My new set of ears bumped me whenever a server came, a phone rang, or there was any other unexpected sound such as a baby crying. This was a good thing, but new to me and it took some getting used to.
I was acutely aware that people were staring at me. I am positive many of them did not understand why I had a dog, since I was not in a wheelchair or blind. One person actually asked me if I was training the dog. I explained she was my hearing ear dog. Little did I realize how many times I would be asked this question in the future.
When we returned to the hotel, I faced another dilemma. I didn’t know whether to allow Sita on the bed with me or should I make her stay on the floor? Was she a pet without her vest on or was she still working? She stared at me with her gorgeous eyes.
It was obvious she wanted to be in bed with me. I decided to allow it since bonding was so important. After all, I rationalized that Marlys had even suggested we feed the dogs by hand for the first two weeks to help with our bonding. So why couldn’t she sleep with me? I took one look at Sita and she jumped up, and cuddled next to me.
We survived our first evening together! When we went to breakfast, I had absolutely no idea what to do. It was a buffet. I could not take her through the food options and hang on to her leash while juggling a plate. I was afraid to leave her at the table without me. What to do?
I finally decided she was a trained dog and guessed that she would stay on command. So I directed her to the place on the floor and used the command “Stay.”
I walked over to the buffet and kept looking back. Sita was sitting there with her gaze intent upon me. Her intelligent and sensitive eyes never once left me. She sat still as a stone in the park.
I returned with my breakfast and praised her, giving her a treat. She lay down obediently and continued to watch me. When I went back to get a refill on my coffee, Sita watched and waited patiently until my return.
I realized then the incredible patience this dog possessed. I was making all of our experiences harder than I needed to. I needed to relax and trust her. Trust that she would stay in place. Trust that she would not misbehave. Trust that she would follow my commands. Trust that God was in control.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
Dear God,
Please help me to trust Sita, and most of all, in you who would never betray me. Amen.