Tori - Service Dog A story of love and devotion... and of letting go. | |
August 4, 2006 This is an update on Tori who came to me through the GSRAW in December 2003 at just under a year old. Tori’s experiences the first few months with me are a matter of record on Tori's “Happy Endings” page of the GSRAW’s web site. It was rocky to say the least. As time went on she NEVER warmed up to 3 of my dogs and Ari, who she adored, tolerated her but didn’t really interact with her. She was very much a people dog and really didn’t appear to care about other dogs as much as she did people. Over time, I had to think long and hard about what would be best for Tori and eventually made the extremely difficult decision to look for a home where she would be an only dog and treated like the princess she thought she was**. It took a long time to make that decision but once I did, within 48 hours, the perfect opportunity presented itself. I’m happy to say that as of March 2006 Tori is a Psychiatric Service Dog and has given her person a new lease on life. They are inseparable and now Tori experiences everything from Wal-Mart to McDonalds to Pick-n-Save. They attend obedience and clicker classes and plan in the future to be a Therapy Dog team. And best of all… she doesn’t have to share her person with ANY other dogs!! I realize now that Tori came to me for a reason and never really was “my” dog. During the 2 years she lived with me I trained her, socialized her and took her on several cross country trips. We went to a dog training school, stayed in hotels and with family. She interacted with children and adults alike and was a wonderful Therapy Dog. I miss her desperately but realize that I was simply a “way station” on her journey. An important stop that was necessary so she could prepare for what she was to become. She will be forever in my heart. ~Laurel ** In accordance with GSRAW procedures, Tori's original adopter surrendered her back to GSRAW and her new owner went through the complete adoption process in order to adopt her. | |
 | Christmas 2006 |
Christmas 2006 | |
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Tori and the MILK JUG
(well it's really a vinegar bottle but it's become known as a milk jug).
Read on to see how this very MILK JUG
played a role in saving her life!!