"Good Things Come to Those Who Wait."

That statement couldn't be truer. Sometimes it feels like waiting will never end or that what you are waiting  for will never come, but my stubborn, determination to work with a dog rescue has finally paid off. I have emailed countless organisations, both rescues and service dog organisations, in the hopes of being granted the opportunity to volunteer. Some have said flat out no, others have not returned my emails and others have told me I could help by doing door to door fundraising. None of these answers, or lack thereof, were very satisfying; not even close. Most recently, I had an organisation tell me that I could hand out posters at events. I'm sure that is a very necessary job, but I was looking for something that was a challenge and put my dog skills to the test. I also wanted to learn about dog training.
Well, my wait is finally over. It's been a year or two in the making, but the opportunities I have been granted with this rescue are beyond my greatest hopes. It's been in the works for about a week now, but I didn't want to say anything until things were a bit more permanent. I was worried I would jinx it with my enthusiasm. :)
 Today was the day that solidified my spot as a volunteer with the Labrador Rescue of Scotland.
The woman who runs the rescue, we'll call her C, has been so incredibly open minded and willing to allow me to be involved. We had an hour long chat on the phone this afternoon, that was followed up by numerous text messages and emails. She's already assigned me a few projects that I started working on today. Some of them have to do with fundraising and others have to do with dog training. I feel very privileged to have found C and to have her embrace me as a whole, capable  person. She's even asked me to draw up some training techniques I would use or exercises that I like for training that she wants to incorporate into her training classes.
My first project is to work with a low vision man and his rescued Labrador on some basic house manners. Apparently, she likes to jump up and so our first task is to teach her to keep all four paws on the floor. I was so shocked and excited that C was actually going to let me be a part of the training process. The man and I are supposed to meet at the beginning of February to discuss what he would like to accomplish with his dog and then to create a plan of attack.
I'm still in awe that this has actually happened. C keeps saying that I am "Heaven sent," but I think it's the other way around. :)