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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Another Angel in my Life!



A few weeks ago, I posted about Teresa and the impact she has had on my life and the lives of other cancer patients at the Cancer Center.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to another "angel" I met some time ago -- Mary!

Mary is the owner of Stillwater Dog Training, more readily known in my house as "Bad Boy School." Those of you who have followed my blog from the beginning know all about this place, about Buster, my chocolate lab, and all the trials and tribulations he has put me through. I signed up for dog training classes with Mary, and let me tell you, I have never forgotten her.

First of all, she was just the nicest person you would ever want to meet. She put the class at ease, as we all felt we had the worst possible dog in the world and would definitely flunk out (I ended up winning that award!) It didn't surprise me at all when she closed that part of the class with prayer, and I knew she was someone who knew the Lord personally and really cared about us all. She took her job so seriously and wanted us all to succeed and make it through the trouble spots we had with our dogs.

I always felt at ease with Mary. She would always take time to answer my questions as I related my problems about Buster with her. It was such a dark time for me, as I was really thinking I would have to get rid of him if things didn't change. She encouraged me every single week, and I would go home and try again and put him through all the exercises and commands.

It didn't end well, as Buster became more stubborn, self-willed and defiant, and you will remember that I didn't go back for that last class. I felt like such a failure and wondered over the next few months if Buster and I would really make it.

I contacted Mary a few times after that, and she has always been helpful, encouraging, and just. . . . . so nice! And when I found out about my cancer and all the treatments coming my way, I had questions and doubts about Buster. She promised to pray for me and Buster and somehow, I knew she would!

Buster has come a long way. Maybe someone who didn't know him a year ago would raise an eyebrow and call him a wild maniac of a dog. But to me, he's an angel compared to what he was. And I owe it all to Mary, the techniques she taught me, and her prayers!

I remember those first few classes. . . . I had delusions of grandeur, thinking that I would love to be a dog trainer like Mary. She just loved her work, loved her dogs, gave so much to the community with Ruger, her work dog. You can read about her and Ruger

HERE!
.

But I soon found out that dog training is definitely a gift from God! And I don't have it! Mary has chosen to share that gift with others by teaching us how to handle our dogs properly! But even further than that, she has trained her own dog to be a "sniffer", to work with police and law enforcement, and to be a rescue dog. She has given so much of herself! I know how much it has meant to ME during this past year to have Buster's slobbery kisses and his happy face around me ---- something I would NOT have had, believe me, if Mary had not helped me with all the behavioral issues!

Thank you, Mary, for all you do for so many people! I know I'm not the only one who has been impacted by your life and your talents!

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. . . Others come and stay awhile, encourage us, show us a way we never saw before, and somehow, we are never the same again.

14 comments:

Daria said...

Isn't it great to have such wonderful people in our lives ... they are few and far between.

Hope you are doing well.

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What a lovely tribute! Good to hear Buster has come so far too. I hope you are feeling well!

hugs, Linda

ByLightOfMoon said...

What a beautiful Shepard Dog and Lady Mary! I did not realize you had taken Buster for training. I am so glad if you have come far with him, And he is a keeper!

Our cats are settling in they just have to get use to totally new surroundings in their lives.

God Bless you Cora, You are so Valuable to so many people.
Smiles, Cyndi

Julie said...

What a nice post--it is so wonderful to hear about such good people.

We have a lady in our neighborhood who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. She is on treatment 4 of 6 with chemo. She always has a metal taste in her mouth and nothing tastes good to her. Did you have that, and what did you eat that tasted good? Maybe I could give her some tips. Thanks a bunch---Julie

Denise said...

I so love Shepards..... They are regal and poised.. I loved your story and don't you think that God smiles when HE sees how HIS plan comes together...... He place people in our lives to bring joy and hope and peace to us..... It is with the eyes of a sweet believe like you that sees the goodness and the hand of God in things that others might miss.........

Sending you hugs!

StitchinByTheLake said...

She has the sweetest smile. What a wonderful blessing God gave you in her. blessings, marlene

Debra said...

Hi Cora-
I sent you an email, by the way-but I forgot to answer your photo question-at the bottom of the uploading photos section at Blogger, it tells you what your limit is, and where you are currently with your picture limit. I think it's just before you upload to the blog....
This post was lovely-and I count YOU as one of those people I am glad to have in my life!!!
Love, Debra

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Great post!! And hope you are doing well, too!!

~Beth

Nancy M. said...

She sounds really special and helpful! I am glad to hear Buster is doing better! It is wonderful to have that unconditional love of a pet.

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Sis,
Aww What a blessing, thanks for sharing Mary with us today. How are you doing? I pray all is well and give Buster a hug for me!!

Hugz Lorie

Paula said...

This was such a beautiful tribute to Mary! And to you too, Cora- your patience with Buster really DID pay off in the long run!

Anonymous said...

What a heart warming post. Blessings to you!

Roxanne said...

Good Morning, Cora. I just wanted to say that I woke up this morning with you on my mind and what a blessing you are in my life.Your comments always lift and encourage me and will be lifting you up in prayer this day.
Blessings to you!!

PS)How did you get your blog to say "12 friends told me what they're thinking" ? That is so neat! Have a blessed day!

SweetAnnee said...

What a sweet lady. I trained with my sweet doggy..and soon found out..Dog training was about training the master.
LOL

Hannah did well, but she was afraid of climbing stairs..she did get her good dog
diploma..

Thanks for sharing..Deena