Thursday, Aug. 27
By Katherine Schneider, for the CVPost
The Facts:
Breed: yellow Lab.
Born: The Seeing Eye, Morristown, NJ, Feb. 2, 2010.
Graduated from The Seeing Eye: August of 2012.
Retired: Jan. 5, 2020.
Died: Aug. 17, 2020.
The Life:
In addition to her guide work, Luna loved people of all ages. This ranged from giving programs at daycare centers to being part of the “reduce finals week stress by petting a dog” programs at the university’s library.
She snuggled up to the bedsides of several frail elderly friends so they could pet her soft coat. She was the mascot for our team at Scrabble Bees for Literacy and helped me tell fortunes for the Memorial High School graduation party.
Luna accompanied volunteers and me for years on our monthly pet food deliveries and even acted nice to most of the cats. She loved car rides and treats of my last bite of popcorn, pizza or banana.
Her personality was smart, intuitive and quiet. She judged if I was sick by smelling my mouth and my rear. When she decided I was better she went back to occasional gentle teasing. She was deep and warm but not slobbery about it.
Retirement
When it came time for Luna to retire, I asked Karen and Marty Voss – friends of 30 years standing – to consider providing her retirement home. They are active retired folks with another dog, land and a love of giving. I’ve known them through Karen’s raising of pups for Leader Dogs in Michigan .
They said “yes.” And so, after a good long working life, Luna was enjoying a wonderful retirement with Karen and Marty. She loved non-working walks, no meetings to attend and chilling out with the other dog.
But last week, Luna unexpectedly crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She had a silent heart tumor that burst.
We had all hoped for a much longer retirement for Luna. She was buried on the Vosses’ land with other beloved pets.
When COVID permits, I’ll go pay my respects. Because of COVID I only saw her once during the last seven months. I am heartbroken that she is no longer on this earth.
I so appreciate the fabulous retirement the Vosses gave her, even letting her lick out the sugaring buckets after they’d finished maple sugaring this spring.
Calvin (my current Seeing Eye dog) stuck to me like glue at first and did his best to give comfort, even bringing me his blanket. Friends showed up, brought food and sent wonderful memories by email.
Part of a blessing I wrote for Pastor Jerry Morris of Lake Street Methodist Church to read at Luna’s retirement service at Inclusive Ministry Church could be her epitaph:
Blessing for Luna
Luna, you have blessed Kathie by guiding her safely across streets and through life. You have loved her and reminded her she is lovable even when she’s having a bad day.
You remind her of God’s love. You make her laugh and show her how to appreciate the little things like a kind touch and the last bite of pizza. You have blessed IM Church with your cheerful presence at the door greeting.
Rest in peace, Luna, until you see me coming through those pearly gates!