A Guiding Light by Lily
Lily's entry into Varsity Tutor's April 2022 scholarship contest
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A Guiding Light by Lily - April 2022 Scholarship Essay
Dolls and Barbies have never been my thing. For me, it’s always been animals. Specifically, dogs. I’ve always loved dogs. I had books about them, drew pictures, and even dressed as one for Halloween! I didn’t dress up as any dog, I wanted to be a Service Dog. Many thanks to my mom who went in search of an actual Service Dog vest to attach to my costume. I played vet computer games, accompanied my dogs on their appointments, had a birthday party at the Humane Society and fostered a few pups. My own dogs have always been my world. Coming home to their wagging tails brings me more joy than anything.
My sophomore year of high school, my mental health was in shambles, and I withdrew from my public school to take online courses while attending intensive therapy. I felt defeated until I learned about Guide Dogs of America’s Puppy Raising program. With a little begging, I was able to apply to become a puppy raiser! If approved, I would be given a puppy to train, socialize, and take care of until they entered the formal training program. I was ecstatic when my application was approved, and I was going to be able to contribute to such an amazing organization.
In January 2020, we made the 2 hour drive (felt like 5) to Sylmar to pick up a female black lab named Malibu. The moment I clipped on her new collar, I never could have imagined the impact she would have on my life. Taking Malibu to Puppy Kindergarten socialized both of us. I was finally interacting with people outside my household again. I took her everywhere I went for her own socialization. I’d put her little yellow vest on and we’d head to the grocery store, the park, and even my brother’s school. As someone with anxiety, having a companion by my side somehow made everything feel more comfortable. I was helping her, and without even realizing it, she was helping me. Malibu was my constant sidekick for 16 months. We did everything together, even navigated a pandemic.
I knew the inevitable was coming. The hardest part of being a puppy raiser is knowing that one day, you would send that puppy to “college” (formal training). The email came in early May. Malibu was going to college on May 15th. We spent the next two weeks doing her favorite things. We swam, chased toys on the beach and treated her to a “pup cup” or two at Starbucks. Unlike that endless drive in January, the drive to Sylmar on May 15 felt like mere minutes. I will spare the heart-wrenching details, but when I unclipped her collar and said good-bye, I left a piece of my heart at GDA. I was, and still am, heart-broken.
Almost a year has passed and I’ve had LOTS of time to reflect on the experience. Was it worth it? Would I do it again knowing the heartbreak to come? Absolutely, 100% yes! As much as I invested in Malibu, she gave me far more than I could ever give her. She showed me that I can do hard things. I can put myself out there, I can be vulnerable. I can learn new things. I can be independent. I can have a dream and pursue it. My actions can have a positive impact and change someone’s life. What a gift she gave me.
Malibu is at college, and soon, I will be too. She taught me that no matter what is in front of us, no matter the challenge, there is always a way around or through. I only hope that she is as proud of me as I am of her.