Return to Home Page This is a letter that Bruce emailed to friends, the day after Arden's tragic death... Hi Mark and Kathy... my day has been like a half empty glass. I've been brought to tears on several incoming calls. Arden's routine is surely missed about the house. He worked really hard for me and was so incredibly reliable. I knew I could count on him 100% everywhere and all the time. There are no answers, it is still shocking, the unexpected nature in how it all happened. And while I let him know in many ways, through his care of his grooming, diet, praise, and extra curricular activity, how much I loved him, I feel robbed in not saying good bye, thank you, telling him of my unconditional appreciation for what he has meant to me as my guide dog. And as much and more, my friend. I am lost in my feelings about my missing partner. Six years of fascinating and rewarding times, travel to be with friends and places. Six years forging that partnership from a foundation the training school places such high value and standards upon - the 4H family who, for a year, gave of their time and energy to socialize Arden into a well-adjusted puppy. The six to eight months the training department devoted to the development of Arden's potential. The three weeks spent with me, walking the diversity of mobility routes in the San Francisco Bay area. Then getting onto a large living room (jet airplane) to land in Vancouver and settle into life with Bruce and all of its permutations! What a testimony to teamwork and the potential of a dog's life to bring such meaning to me and so many people who came to adore and admire Arden's part of the relationship. Oh how I hope he left knowing my devotion and love for him! When I retired Kappa, that was an emotional journey of coming to terms that I was doing the right thing for him. Eleven months later, he passed on. I had done the right thing and we enjoyed Kappa as much in his retirement. The story is much the same for Solomon, retiring him was easier because I knew from my experience with Kappa, how easily managing the additional dog would be. In my mind, as Arden approached his June birthday and turning nine, I mentally prepared myself for his retirement when he approached ten and the knowledge his life would be rich and good as a retired dog. Arden dying last night has crushed this dream with no mercy. He died in no pain. An autopsy will help us to accept what happened. Guide dogs for the blind called and expressed feelings of shock, lack of understanding, and disbelief in my loss. The re-application process has started and they will fast track me with training staff on notice for a golden retriever with characteristics matching the "narrative" on my file. There is a waiting list for the few golden retrievers which come into the program for each monthly training class. However, the first applicant on the list does not necessarily get that golden if it is perceived not to be a good match. Meanwhile... it is pass port application agony time! Wendy has been really solid and a wonderful and lovely wife through this disruption. Sarah, however, was leveled, seeing Arden as her dog when he retired. She did grow up with him over the last six years and experienced many great times, from Green Lake, to Sun Peaks, to times around the city. Thank you very much for your feelings and support Mark and Kathy. I don't anticipate getting over this during the night. Arf and Cheers, Bruce Return to Home Page

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