by Cindy Burgett
When Lyle finally came to the realization that it was time to retire Milo, his very first guide dog, a very difficult decision indeed, we talked about placement of him. We knew that we had a tall order, but we wanted the best possible home for Milo. So we did everything we could to get the word out that we were looking for this perfect home.
Preferably, it would have no other dogs. Milo, in his old age, became less and less tolerant of other dogs, especially younger ones. And he really wanted to be “top dog!” It would have to have someone that was home a lot. Milo has been with Lyle almost nonstop for the past nine years, and he’s never gotten used to being left home alone, because it just didn’t happen much. It had to be someone who didn’t mind the evidence of a dog in their house, because, no matter how often you comb Milo, he sheds a great deal. Milo is a yellow Labrador, but his white hair is very noticeable. And then of course we wanted it to be a nice home with a fenced yard, someplace not too far from us, so that we could visit Milo and he could visit us.
I told you this was a tall order!
So we told many people about Milo, hoping and praying that someone we told would know someone else that might know someone who was looking for such a dog.
Oh yes, did I mention that Milo is 11 years old? Well, evidently this became an issue for some folks, who voiced concern about having an older dog.
The other amazing thing we found is, most people who wanted a dog already had one. Go figure!
So time was running out and Lyle’s class date, when he’d be going down to train with his next guide dog, was approaching. The school told him that if he didn’t find a home for Milo, he could bring Milo with him and they would place him. We know that Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is very good about placing their retired dogs, and there was no doubt he’d go to a good home, but it’s not what we were wanting. You know, this separating oneself from their retired dog, that whole transition, is much harder on the person than the dog. I’m sure of that!
Now, we were entering a time crunch. It was Friday, and if Lyle was going to bring Milo to the school with him, he’d have to notify GDB by the next Thursday, which was just six days away. My daughters and I had no school that Friday, and so we decided to go to the mall for a few hours and hang out together.
We boarded the Access bus and a very nice lady spoke up, commenting on how nicely Arabelle (my guide dog) laid down. She mentioned how she’d like to have a dog like that. Then I asked her if she was looking for a dog, and she proceeded to tell me how she wanted to find a dog for companionship, and one that would be a bit of protection at night for her by making noise if someone came to the door. Did I mention Milo sounds ferocious as he growls and wags his tail simultaneously greeting visitors at the door? Right then, I knew. So, I told her that I had the perfect dog for her.
I can’t begin to tell you how I felt during that ride to the mall. But I know the time just flew by as we chatted about Milo. I may not be able to physically see, but I know Marian was glowing with excitement over the possibility of her future partner.
Before I got off the bus, we exchanged phone numbers, and she promised to call me when she came back into town; she was going to spend the weekend with her daughter in Belfair, about 20 miles away.
On Sunday I returned her call from the night before and we chatted some more. She was so worried that we might have found Milo another home since the last time we’d talked. She said that the whole time she was with her family, all she could talk about was Milo. There was such excitement and sincerity in her voice.
This whole time, I knew that God had placed his hand over the situation and was guiding everything.
On Monday, Lyle and I, along with Milo, went to Marian’s home, which is about five miles from ours. She lives in a quiet neighborhood and has a fenced-in yard. Milo seemed to make himself right at home, following Marian into the kitchen for some water and a treat.
As we sat, visiting with one another in her living room, I warned her that Milo sheds a lot. She didn’t miss a beat and just said, “So do I, and my hair’s white too, so he’ll probably be blaming me.”
Marian’s husband of 56 years had passed away in May, and she’d been thinking about getting a dog to keep her company. She said that her kids wanted her to get a security system put in, but she didn’t want any of that! She’s 78 years old and wants to stay in her home, but doesn’t like being alone.
Now came the important decision. I know it wasn’t easy when Lyle reached over to hand Marian Milo’s leash. It was a bittersweet moment for me, as I could feel her joy as she said, “Oh, thank you, Lyle!” But I knew for Lyle, it was letting go of a faithful friend who’d given him nine wonderful years of service. But Lyle knew he’d found the home for Milo he’d dreamed about for him.
Milo stayed with Marian that Monday, and the next day she told us that he curled up on his rug at the foot of her bed and didn’t budge all night. During the days, he follows Marian around, lies at her feet, or sits beside her chair and enjoys lots of loving, and gets treats from his new friend, a different kind of partner.
Milo truly is living the life of luxury as a retired guide. And Marian promised us over and over again that she will take good care of Milo. She keeps on saying how blessed she is to have Milo, but I know they’re equally blessed. She told me the other day, “If Milo goes before me, I’ll be thankful for the time I had with him.”
Louis was Marian’s husband, but Milo is her king. Not only did Milo find a wonderful place to retire, but we’ve also found a special family friend, Marian Fitzwater.