Kareem (1995-2005) was also a retired guide dog, just like our Jessup. Kareem brought us joy in a more traditional “doggie”way. Kareem worked as a guide dog, but was retired after his master was discovered keeping this wonderful gift locked in a kennel all day long. In appreciation for his freedom, Kareem displayed perfect loyalty as we hiked daily, almost up to the day he left.
When he first came to us, I did not realize how much his muscles had atrophied and how tender his idle paws were. He seemed to smile from ear to ear as I took him on some rugged trails. He must have been in pain at first, but his freedom was worth more than comfort. He would happily do anything I asked and loved freely, asking very little in return. He devotedly held on at a friend’s house while we were away on a trip, just to let me feel better by comforting him in his last hours. Kareem had all the service dog traits we all strive for but never quite seem to achieve with our friends or family. I will never forget him as I picture him every time I hike a familiar trail, managing to squeeze his tail end through a narrow opening in the rocks. Maybe he will help me to squeeze into heaven some day where we can hike together again.
John and Sue Reuter