We have a Match!

We found out that we are getting a match! It has been almost two years since we started the application process-about four years since Zane and I started discussing the possibility of adopting a service dog into our family-and now it is happening! I can't even tell you how excited (and nervous) I am! I am thrilled that I will have a new companion that can go everywhere with me, and nervous because this will be my first dog. Her name is Rowena and she is a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix. She has a beautiful golden color and enchanting brown eyes!
I have a lot to learn about how to take care of her, but I am up for the challenge and willing to learn! The girls are very excited as well. She came to my classroom on April 14, 2011. I didn't know at the time that she was the dog that Canine Partners of the Rockies had thought of placing with me. We had just talked about doing presentations for my classes so the students would have a better idea about what the service dog would be doing while at work with me (when I did get one). I remember saying to my para "I really hope when I get a dog, she is as calm and sweet as Rowena". Little did we know, she would be the one!
She didn't get to meet the family until the following week because we had all been sick with some awful stomach bug, and wanted to get the house all cleaned and sanitized again. I talked with Zane that week...I told him I really wanted to continue the process, we had come so far. He was worried though-our family had changed a lot since we started the application process, and the fact that service dogs aren't family dogs made him really doubt that it was going to be possible. He had many questions (always making me see the reality) which I wrote down and started to see things from his perspective. I cried that night, realizing that he was right...it was going to be too difficult with the kids.
A few days later I got the courage to call the placement trainer back. She was amazing and listened to all our questions. I really worried about integrating a service dog with our family as the girls are only 3 and 4, and Zander is 5 months! It seemed a lot to ask of the kids to not pet the dog or want to play with her. I knew I had to tell Barb everything- I didn't want to go through the whole process only to find out it wasn't going to work out. It was really, really hard for me-parents from my work had started the process of fund raising to help us with the cost-how would I return the money and what would I tell them? I felt like I was too far to turn back.
It was difficult not to cry while talking to Barb, but as our conversation progressed an amazing thing happened. She explained to me that the reason she had brought Rowena with her to my work was that she thought she might be the perfect match for me. She adapts to situations and still understands that she has a 'special person' who she needs to watch out for. She thought that Rowena would be able to handle being more of a family dog then most service dogs can. We talked for a good two hours-and with each question came a supportive answer. I had a lot to learn, but it would be possible!
A few days later Rowena came to meet the family. Alexis who is normally shy around dogs, warmed up to her. And Zane...well lets just say half way through the meeting he was asking "When Rowena comes to live with us..." She had won us all over!
Since that day I knew that our lives would be forever changing-for the better! Things have been falling into place and we are all working towards getting ready for our new family member! So without further adieu, meet Rowena!