Dear Kadence,
Our family’s hearts are full as we recently had to say our good-bye’s to you. I’m not sure where to begin as I write this letter, but I wanted to share our family’s story so that we are able to celebrate your life and how you have changed Bella’s life tremendously. As difficult as it is for me to write about this, I also kind of love reliving the memories we made as a family with you. So, don’t mind me, just sobbing with a smile on my face as I write this letter to you.
In 2015, you were 2 years old; graduated from the Lions Foundation of Canada, Autism Assistance Dog Guide program. As we waited for almost three years for you, we made sure that Bella was ready for you. Part of your job was to provide Bella a level of independence when she was out in the community and to also keep Bella physically safe. As you know, Bella loves to wander away and my biggest fear as a mom is losing Bella in a public space. To prepare Bella for you, my dad converted an old Radio Flyer wagon into what we called DIY-Kadence. I loved how my mom stuffed the wagon with a furry white blanket to replicate your coat! For 6 months, Bella’s educational assistants at school taught her how to walk around the school setting with DIY-Kadence to teach her how to hold the handle on your harness.
In September 2016, you and Bella entered grade 2 together. And in a blink of an eye, you became part of a school community that embraced you, as you supported Bella at recess time, physical education, DPA, school assemblies and even field trips out in the community.
Over the years you have supported Bella in many different environments. I have to admit I’ve always hated going out in public. Maybe I’ve grown to adopt some of Bella’s peeves to loud and unexpected sounds, large groups of people, and waiting in long line-ups. My biggest hatred were the insincere looks and comments from people: “Why is she like that?”, “Why is she drooling like a baby? She doesn’t look like one.”, “Can you tell her to be quiet?”. Then you came to our family, and you have positively impacted all our lives. You and Bella were a dream team. You walked with your poodle head up high, strutting your bright red harness with confidence, sharing that you are here for Bella to help her cope in environments that were challenging for her.
“Do not touch. Do not pet. And please do not distract. I am working for Bella.”
Bella’s severe autism is complex. Her neurological and developmental disorder began to show up early in her life and it continues to affect how she acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. Bella’s challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviors, paired with her other disabilities can be hard for others to understand. Although your main job was to support Bella, you also helped out with many awareness campaigns, representing how disability should be embraced, valued, and included as part of everyday life.
Thank you for being by Bella’s side. TBH, you were also by my side. I can’t express enough how grateful we are for the memories, happiness, and love you have provided for our dearest Bella. Thank you for your gentle kisses as you let Bella put her hands in your mouth to feel your sharp teeth and prickly tongue. Thank you for your patience, as you lied down on her for the deep pressure she enjoyed to help her stay asleep.
When we learned about your cancer in March, we knew it was time for you to retire as Dolly was stepping into this role. Despite this news, Petie was over the moon to finally have you as his pet. I still remember the first month you came to our family. Petie knew you were Bella’s dog, but there were a few mornings I found him sleeping on the bare floors just outside of your crate, as I’m sure he was sneaking in some pets. Over the last few months you became a BFF for Petie. He finally had the chance to have you sleep with him in his bed, go out for short walks throughout the day, and share his humor and love.
As we grieve loosing you, may you live forever in the joy and memories you brought into our family’s life. May you rest in peace.
Love,
Bella, Petie, Dad & Mom
Here is a video that was created in the first year Kadence came to our family. Oh how lovely it is to revisit these memories.
Your donation helps provide specially trained Dog Guides at no cost to Canadians with a medical or physical disability, giving the gift of increased safety, independence, and mobility. To learn more about how you can donate to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, here.