A Fond Farewell to My Best Friend

I met Bishop, my chocolate Labrador retriever, when he was almost three years old. He applied to be my service dog. We were together night and day which both of us enjoyed very, very much. I was able to teach many tasks to him which would help him, assist me so that I could get things accomplished without struggling, or using mega amounts of time and energy. A good work ethic, and my praise, encouraged him to open and close doors, drawers, help me dress and undress, and anything that he could figure out within his physical and mental abilities. Having something to do was his happy joy in life, especially when I was happy and very pleased with him.

When service dogs understand and learn about their special work, they need to be close with their person. Whenever they are separated from their person, it is extremely stressful for them. Even when the service dog can see the person they help, if they are tethered to another person at a distance which prevents them from assisting this person, They are very, very concerned and upset.

Bishop was devoted and dedicated. I didn't have a fence around all of my yard, yet, whenever he was outside in the area with no fence, he stayed in the yard and usually kept a close eye on me to be certain I was ok, watching and listening for any instruction from me. Every time I asked him to help me, he was enthusiastic and willing to put his 100% in to doing whatever task I needed him to do for me.

I felt a special spirit within Bishop. There was a love and bond between us which I had never before experienced with a canine companion. Teaching him was an enjoyable and easy activity for me. We enjoyed going where the public is allowed by law to enter, churches, restaurants, and a variety of stores. We were a team and I expected to have many happy years sharing life and activities with my very special dog friend and helper.

Very unexpectedly, and to my shock and dismay, I had to say A Fond Farewell To My Best Friend, Bishop. I have been ok writing about him, until the beginning of this paragraph. Now my eyes are moist and my nose is getting stuffy. It's been almost seven years since my dear beloved friend died of lung cancer at the very young age four years old. So young and full of life with years of partnership and the joy of being a dog, Bishop was called home to be with Heavenly Father. He did what he could to help me until he had to be put to sleep. I worked very hard to keep my emotions under control for his sake. Dogs are very spiritual creatures and sense our energy and emotions readily.

My focus was to do my very best to convey with my energy especially, talking to him, caressing him, and thinking positive thoughts that I love him, he's a super wonderful, very good dog and helper, and that it is ok for him to leave me. I wanted to have him healthy and with me but this was not to be because his lungs looked like they had been invaded by pea soup. He was drowning because of the amount of fluid in his lungs, and the condition was extremely advanced. I had no idea until near the end of his life that he was sick. Apparently he worked very diligently to hide his illness from me.

This loss of my very best devoted friend is still a very emotional and difficult subject to write about for me. I thought I was better, but now that I have written about him again, I find that he is still very close to me heart and I am struggling with these events. As I blow my nose and wipe my eyes, I can still picture him running and enjoying his life with me. Bishop you are in my heart and mind living with me even through I have had to say, A Fond Farewell To My Best Friend until we meet again in heaven.

God allowed me to enjoy your company for a while which I cherish and hold on to with thanksgiving and appreciation. I thank you, Bishop for everything you have done for me. You are Gods special creature who brightened my days and made life easier for me to manage. Gratefully I thank you for your loyalty. I feel like your are still with me and helping me. Praise and glory to God for you and my current service dog Bella. Bella has helped me through writing this by laying near me as you would do if you could. Letting you go was a kindness which ended your suffering, yet, I wanted you with me. You were so young and full of joy and enthusiasm for life, working when you were so very sick and not letting me know. I don't know of any human being that would be able to do what you did for me. I can not thank you enough my friend. A Fond Farewell till me meet again. Bishop 2003-2007

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