A Note From Liza Bruce

June 8, 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful love, care and support you have given to Baxter and me over the eight years we have been together.  These past five months have been some of the most difficult of my life as I faced Baxter’s illness and death.  I so appreciate your sharing in this loss with me.  It has been therapeutic to hear stories of Baxter from you in recent months and to spend precious time with many of you.

I am so very appreciative of all your kind remembrances during this very sad time as well as the funds many of you contributed to Leader Dogs for the Blind.  What a beautiful tribute to a very special friend.  I realize that Baxter was not a person, but I truly appreciate your understanding of the incredible bond between a person who cannot see and the being that is their eyes to the world.  Thank you for loving Baxter and thank you for interacting with him so positively and developing your own relationships with him.  Baxter thrived on your love and attention, and as much as he enjoyed his treats, your love was his most favorite reward.

As many of you know, I am at Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, Michigan, now.  Over the past month, I have had mixed emotions about getting another Leader Dog.  I miss Baxter terribly, and although I know how crucial having a Leader Dog is to my mobility, safety and independence, I felt like I was being disloyal to my relationship with and commitment to Baxter by getting another dog.  However, I have come to realize that Baxter gave his life to helping me, and he would want me to keep on living life to the fullest, and the only way I can accomplish that is with a Leader Dog by my side.  Consequently, I have come to feel that Baxter has been a part of the selection and training of a new four-legged friend for me.  And, after meeting my new Leader Dog this past week, I realize this could not be more true.

I met Cooper on Wednesday afternoon.  Cooper is a 60-pound Black Labrador Retriever.  He is 17 months old and he is a gentle, sweet and loving dog.  After meeting Cooper, I know that Baxter has made certain that my new Leader Dog will provide me with a wonderful reminder of him.  As I continue on this journey, I now know that no pup can ever take Baxter’s place in my heart.  Rather, my heart has just expanded to make room for Cooper.

Thank you once again for all that you did to help ease the tremendous pain after Baxter’s diagnosis of cancer and his death.  Your numerous loving phone calls, emails, cards and remembrances of Baxter have been beautiful treasures.  It has been you who have helped me through it all.  And thank you for your support and encouragement in this new part of my journey as Cooper and I establish a bond and begin our life together.

Love, Liza