This is my retired service dog, Stella. I wanted to write this blog about Stella because at Wellness Without Shame, she is part of the family. It’s important that everyone gets to know about her and how she came into our lives.
When I was a senior in high school, I came to know more about service dogs. I knew it was an option as I was a young woman with a visual impairment. At first, I wasn’t sure that I even wanted to go down this route. Having a guide dog is a huge responsibility. They’re not pets but a companion. Literally a guide to help a visually impaired person be safe. They depend on you to survive, just like a visually impaired person depends on them for safety.
After doing some thinking & doing some research, I settled on a school, applied & was accepted. Shortly after, I left for training. Doing this three week training, Stella & I learned each other’s habits. We learned how to bond with each other. We learned how to work together & she learned that her priority was to keep me safe. My priority was to keep her healthy so that she could do her job. Some of the things that Stella has done for me were lead me around obstacles, keep me safe in stressful situations, & help me feel independent. I didn’t need a family member or friend to help me walk around because I knew I felt safe with Stella.
I'm very lucky to say Stella worked with me for around 12 years until I made the final decision to retire her. She has given me so much of herself. It is time for her to rest, be a normal dog, & to have no responsibilities. She may be retired but she will always be apart of my family. Nobody can take her spot.
I’m writing about Stella because I want everyone to know about what she’s done for me. She’s given me joy. She’s made me feel independent. I especially want everyone to know that even though she is retired she is still very keen. Sharp, strong & loyal. If you ever see paw prints on any of our products, labels, or marketing ads, that is Stella’s print on Wellness Without Shame.