Eli
A donation was made in memory of Eli by Doctors and Staff of the Chambers Creek Veterinary Hospital on May 21, 2012.
He wasn’t even supposed to be my dog.
Though I had seriously considered raising a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy and attended classes for almost a year, each time I was offered a puppy I would say, “Not yet.” One day the state coordinator called to say there was a puppy on the truck out of San Rafael, California with no place to go. His designated raiser family in Oregon opted out after the Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Would I take him? “I will.” was my reply. His name was Eli and our journey together would last for 12 wonderful years.
Despite our efforts, Eli was dropped from the Guide Dog program after being designated “too friendly.” I will always remember my mother’s comment that maybe Eli did not come for a blind person but was here to serve another purpose. “What are you going to do together to serve humankind?” she asked.
Eli completed advanced dog obedience training and we began studies to become a pet partner team through the DELTA Society, a program created here in Washington State to team up animals with homebound or hospitalized people needing visits. Eli’s internship was every Sunday at the Soldier’s Home in Orting, Wa. Upon successful course completion with the designation of “PREDICTABLE, Eli became a Hospice Volunteer through Multicare Health System. He also volunteered at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital as a member of their “Dawg Squad” team of visiting pets. Eli loved people, especially children, and was happy to have the doorbell ring with neighborhood children inquiring, “Can Eli come out and play?” Children loved Eli because he never jumped or licked them.
One day I watched Eli recline on a little girl’s bed as she told him when she got to heaven she would be able to run and play again and I knew Mother’s question of what we would do to serve mankind had been answered.
Eli’s retirement years were quiet ones full of naps, dog treats and play dates at the Fort Steilacoom Dog park. Eli passed away one day after his 13th birthday. His ashes were scattered at the base of Mt. Rainier. When the day is clear, we gaze at the mountain and comment, “There is Eli. There’s our good dog.”
Deanne B.
Though I had seriously considered raising a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy and attended classes for almost a year, each time I was offered a puppy I would say, “Not yet.” One day the state coordinator called to say there was a puppy on the truck out of San Rafael, California with no place to go. His designated raiser family in Oregon opted out after the Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Would I take him? “I will.” was my reply. His name was Eli and our journey together would last for 12 wonderful years.
Despite our efforts, Eli was dropped from the Guide Dog program after being designated “too friendly.” I will always remember my mother’s comment that maybe Eli did not come for a blind person but was here to serve another purpose. “What are you going to do together to serve humankind?” she asked.
Eli completed advanced dog obedience training and we began studies to become a pet partner team through the DELTA Society, a program created here in Washington State to team up animals with homebound or hospitalized people needing visits. Eli’s internship was every Sunday at the Soldier’s Home in Orting, Wa. Upon successful course completion with the designation of “PREDICTABLE, Eli became a Hospice Volunteer through Multicare Health System. He also volunteered at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital as a member of their “Dawg Squad” team of visiting pets. Eli loved people, especially children, and was happy to have the doorbell ring with neighborhood children inquiring, “Can Eli come out and play?” Children loved Eli because he never jumped or licked them.
One day I watched Eli recline on a little girl’s bed as she told him when she got to heaven she would be able to run and play again and I knew Mother’s question of what we would do to serve mankind had been answered.
Eli’s retirement years were quiet ones full of naps, dog treats and play dates at the Fort Steilacoom Dog park. Eli passed away one day after his 13th birthday. His ashes were scattered at the base of Mt. Rainier. When the day is clear, we gaze at the mountain and comment, “There is Eli. There’s our good dog.”
Deanne B.
Additional donations made in Eli's name
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Josh Bridge – 5/22/2012
Comments: when I was in the hospital very sick Eli came to visit he was the sweetest dog that i ever new he was also the best suprise I had he made me feel better. He also visited me at home because we are family with her. I miss Eli it broke my heart when he went to dogy heaven love Riley. (age 10)