Sometimes making the right decision in life are the hardest choices to make. The hardest ones usually aren’t the easiest…..and sometimes people stand up to both.

I talked to Jim Taylor days before he was to leave  for training with his dog Brody.  His family, life and circumstances had thrown the Taylor’s some curve balls…..between buying a home, moving, possible mother in law moving in, fast trip needed out of state…..his life was temporarily in ciaos. He was unable to train for approx another 5-6 weeks. As always, honest communication was needed. We talked about timing, how it needed to be fair to both Brody and him.  Brody was ready to be paired, and I was worried what another 5 weeks might do. This only adding more stress to his life at the moment, I am sure.  We gave it a few days to process……but Jim called me the next day.

“Jen, ” his voice soft and slow “As much as I don’t want to say this……..and as hard as this is personally……I know it’s  the best thing for Brody…….and for another Veteran in waiting…..I decided to pass, and wait…..“  he exhaled a deep breathe…..

“I am so proud of you, of your decision. I respect you even more” I rushed in to say “Thank you  Jim, again  for your sacrifice”…

Jim Taylor is our first Veteran in our next class and he will be training with his new dog come the end of summer! Please stay tuned.

“A true hero is not someone who thinks about doing what is right, but one that simply does what is right without thinking!”

And that Veteran in waiting is Marine Veteran Michael Grywalsky.  He was surprised when I called him and told him the news. It’s an awkward situation that we all felt. Mike, excited yet understanding for a fellow Veteran he never met, seemed a little reserved.  I asked him to think about it over night, and invited him and his family to come down the next day for a meet and greet…..

Mike had picked out the name Barrett for the dog he was going to get, timing again was perfect for this name change. “Barret”- a sniper rifle. Jim Taylor wanting to name Brody “Sniper”……the name a coincidence or irony?

Mike, his wife Mollie and there three children, had a wonderful first time experience with Barrett. Mike smiling almost the whole four hours here, his excitement and love pouring out immediately for Barrett. Barrett reciprocating, following Mike everywhere, leaning way in on him naturally.

It was like a perfect ending to a sad movie…….if things have a way of working out…… this was meant to be.