I had a guardian angel watching over me. When I felt little things,
like a rush of air running away from me, as a result of ARDS
(Acute/Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome), all I needed was a
soulful look from the depth of Blues' brown eyes, a simple twitch of
his nose, and a subtle tilt of his head, to let me know, that
everything was going to be okay.
On June 11, 1993, I was admitted to a community hospital, for what had
been described to me as routine surgery. Unfortunately, the word
"routine" quickly lost its literal meaning, as I developed a
number of complications. My weekend in the hospital, turned into
nearly two months, and my life as a secondary school vice principal,
was tucked away in my "memory file." It was a brand new
world, a world that I had to learn to participate in, one step at a
time.
There was daily physiotherapy and neuropsychological assessments,
followed by "skills for daily living" sessions. I had once
headed a high school special education department and run workshops
across the province, and now here I was, trying to learn the very same
things that I had taught my students.
I remember the day I had to relinquish my drivers license. I still
keep my photo card in my wallet. I remember when my walker was no
longer a rental, but was all mine, an aide I never dreamed I would
ever need, but now provides me with the opportunity to walk unaided,
when on weekly visits to the Hamilton Market, to a mall, or even to a
dog show. I remember the day I got my four-wheel scooter. It provided
me with a feeling of independence that at times, I thought I had lost
forever, but the best was yet to come.
On April 21, 1995, we brought a golden bundle of fluff into our home
and hearts. We are all familiar with the saying, as one door closes,
another opens. Blues allowed me to step over the first threshold, and,
since that day, we opened many doors together. Blues became a Canadian
Champion, a Canine Good Citizen (certified by the Human/Animal Bond
Association of Canada, and he also passed all of the requirements to
become a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog. I have no doubt in my mind, that Blues was a
healer. On so many occasions, I saw him weave his magic with people
young and old, sick and well. He even became a "Rent A Dog",
accompanying a wonderful neighbour on regular walks along the
waterfront trail. Blues and I also enjoyed making informal outdoor
visits to a nearby seniors residence. Blues became a fixture in
Bronte, often being referred to as Bronte Blues. He had a tail wag and
a smile for everyone. He was a truly remarkable dog.
Each of us has been touched by cancer in one way or another. We can
try to run and hide, but inevitably, its evil grin will cross the
threshold of our homes. It crossed ours in the summer of 2000, and our
lives will never be the same. On March 27, 2001, our beautiful Blues lost his battle with
lymphoma. He was the sun and moon and stars to us. He was our Smiling
Blue Skies. He was everyone's Blues Man. In Blues' memory, a special
cancer fund has been set up through the University of Guelph's Ontario
Veterinary College Pet Trust Fund.
