Saturday, August 04, 2012

A Strange Birthday Present

Yesterday was my birthday and it just so happened to be the day I gave Glacier to his new home. We had our last walk, heading over to the grocery store to pick up some food for my birthday dinner. I met Tenie there and we let Glacier run part of the way home on the cycling path. He was very happy to be running and our little outing just finalised things in my mind. He was much more interested in sniffing all things delicious in the store and was incredibly distracted by people. I wouldn't say it was a  beautiful walk, ending our working relationship on a high note, but I'm glad it wasn't.
If it had, I think I would have started second guessing my decision. Glacier isn't an older dog retiring due to age and so I wouldn't expect anything but what I've been getting from him for the last month.
Today, we're having "high tea" as part of my birthday celebration and the cafe we are going to is dog friendly. I think Glacier's new person is going to bring him along, apparently after Glacier's had a run at the ocean.
I couldn't be happier for him.
So, although retiring a dog is sad and surrendering your dog on your birthday might not be ideal, I actually think it was a kind of birthday gift. I got to see how happy Glacier's new person is and how excited Glacier was to go with him. Sure, I was a bit sad and our flat seemed a little empty this morning, but knowing that he's going to have the best retirement I could have hoped for him is definitely a great birthday present.
***
With all of this Glacier stuff going on, I haven't really been updating about the rest of the household. I have plans on remedying that in the next couple of days.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

HAPPY HAPPY Birthday and we hope you had a good day and wishing you all the best and have a great weekend.
Best wishes Molly

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

So sorry to see Glacier go, but it's probably easier for you knowing how happy he is. Hope you can still visit with him often.

And I'd like to wish you a very Happy Birthday!

torie said...

I'm so sorry you had to give him up on your birthday. At least you will get regular contact. I hope it isn't too long before you are assessed for a new dog. Hopefully your new dog will be okay with two other dogs in the house.

Xxx and huge hugs.

Brooke, Cessna, Canyon & Rogue said...

Happy Belated Birthday my friend :)

And, Happy Retirement Glacier!

Jess, just a little note, in about 3-5 weeks, something may be arriving for you from Canada...;)

Dexter said...

Very bittersweet. I am glad that you and Glacier made the decision you did. He'll always have a place in your heart and since he is close by, you can still be pals.

Mango Momma

Nadja Öberg said...

BS"D

Happy birthday to you Jessica! And I'm happy that Glacier is enjoying being a pet dog!

LeSholom,
Nadja

pattib said...

Oh, Happy Birthday, Jess and so wonderful that you could find Glacier such a great home. I know it was tough. Hugs to you!

L^2 said...

I hope you enjoyed your birthday celebration, and I hope Glacier is doing well in his new home. It sounds like your last walk together was just what it should have been - validation that you have made the right decision about ending his career. *hugs*