Rafael & Layla
I just want to first thank my wife, for supporting me and Layla through this journey together. You helped me raise our special girl.
I want to thank Shelby, for believing in me and pairing me with Layla. As some of you may know, Layla was not the first dog I was paired with. My first pairing didn’t work out and left me heartbroken and discouraged. When Shelby said she had another dog that might work, I wasn’t sure I was ready to try again. In fact, I fully intended to meet Layla, tell Shelby it wasn’t going to work, leave the program entirely, and move out of state. But then I saw her face. It was an instant connection. When my wife tells the story, she likes to say that I had the biggest, dumbest grin on my face while I was playing with Layla in the SBF dog park for the first time. Thank you for making that happen.
There was one time early in our training when Mary could tell I was not in the best mood. I had just lost my job, and my apartment complex wanted to fine me $300 for not immediately informing them that Layla had started living with us. To add even more stress to the situation, our Canine Good Citizen Test was in a few days. We tried training but Layla could tell I wasn’t in a good place and started to shut down. In short, I was absolutely losing it. Then Mary sat me down and we just shot the breeze. We ended up failing that CGC Test, but I got what I needed at that moment. Mary is great like that, reading me and Layla. Making sure we get what we need to succeed.
You keep my emotions in check. You keep me aware of my surroundings. And you always tell me when I need to take a break and play a little. You taught me the art of patience, and you showed me unconditional love. I had no idea how much you were going to change me. Thank you Layla, and thank you SBF.
