Memphis

2016 was a big year for me. I married my best friend, Sam, and he gained “man’s best friend,” Memphis.

Sam went through a training program for veterans reintegrating back into society after war. This Able Veteran paired Sam with Memphis, his furry son, in 2016. It wasn’t just a paring, it was a partnership based on the needs Sam had as he returned home from three combat deployments, one of which had him medivac’d out of country (Afghanistan).

Our family grew when Memphis joined our home. We all learned how to best navigate life with a service dog. Sam went through three weeks of extensive training, while Memphis, well, let’s just say he was born to serve, born to protect, and love.

Memphis has been a huge part of our lives. Most importantly, Memphis brought my Sam back to life with his alerts, his love, and his attention. Memphis was just what Sam needed when anxiety kicked in, when intrusive thoughts came to mind, and when life just got rough (no pun intended).

Now, if you’ve “followed” us for a while, you know that this very blog domain is about sweet Memphis. We literally learned to walk with him for many years. Navigating public places with someone following you because you have a dog was semi-normal, so I decided to let people know what life with a service dog was like. Boy howdy, were there moments where my “Dog Mom” attitude kicked in. “STOP staring at my husband, PLEASE” would sometimes come out. I needed an outlet, and thus, Walking with Memphis was born.

Memphis became very famous. After Sam and Memphis were paired, they shared their story. I shared their story, and gave insight into what the transition home after long years of silent struggle was. I shared what it was like to have a husband who wanted to go out instead of hide anxiety and mask fear. I shared how Memphis helped our family.

Now, Memphis needs your help. Can you send good vibes, well wishes, prayers, and love for him (and his dad)? Memphis has been retired from serving with Sam for a few years. He’s been a dog who is loved, a dog who has the comfiest bed, the best siblings, the best grandparents, family, and friends. He’s spoiled. The past week we noticed something was off with our lovable, wagging tailed lab. He was tired, he was slow moving and he wasn’t into food as much.

Memphis has been very food driven since the day he came to our home. He is highly trained, and on a specialized diet, so even with the command to eat, he just didn’t seem like he wanted to eat. He got sick overnight, and sick in the morning, and Sam called the vet. Thankfully, we got him in and after some tests, bloodwork, and monitoring, there was a diagnosis: diabetes.

I know what some of you may be thinking, “did she just say a dog has diabetes?”

Yes, I did.

Memphis is eleven years old. His birthday is January 20th. He’s been to California, Seattle, the University of Oregon, the University of Kentucky. He was the “best dog” at our wedding in Florida. Memphis has been to fancy dinners with members of Rotary District 6530, he’s traveled to family events, he’s been to school plays, musicals, and madrigals. Memphis was into softball for many years, visiting Tennessee, Missouri, and Indiana for a lot of games.

Memphis has been on TV and the radio! He was trained by some of the best dog trainers I have ever met. They knew what Sam needed and they made sure Memphis did too.

Memphis is a big deal.

Here’s what I know about dogs.

Dogs provide unconditional love. There were times when Sam felt like he did not love himself, but every wag, every nudge, every cuddle with Memphis reminded him love is always around him.

Dogs provide devoted companionship. Memphis has been through a lot with his human: loss of parents, loss of a baby, and when I was hospitalized with Oliver, Memphis cared for me. Dogs provide constant entertainment (please see the photos of Memphis).

Spending time with dogs does wonders for your well being (unless you aren’t a dog person, and that’s okay). Research shows that owning a dog is good for you physically and emotionally (this I know). Dogs make us happier and healthier, they help us cope with a crisis, help us get through loss, and make us feel less alone (this I also know).

A national survey of pet owners and non-pet owners by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 85% of respondents believe that interaction with pets reduces loneliness. Multiple studies show that dogs help relive stress and anxiety. I have seen this first hand. I have seen Memphis calm Sam in a way that no one else can. Scientists at Washington State University discovered that petting a dog for just 10 minutes can have a significant impact. Study participants had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.

Dogs make us more social. Did I mention that Memphis was famous? People would spot him (he has his own Facebook page), and say, “that’s Memphis!” and at first it was alarming, but now, I love hearing people talk about how they’ve come to know Memphis or how they met him.

Dogs just make us happier. Our home grew in 2016, and there will never be enough words or gratitude for the individuals who helped our family, who helped Sam, who saved us all, with a dog. A dog with a big personality, a dog with a big heart, and a dog with a lot of love.

So, if you have a second or two, please read through some of our posts we’ve shared over the years about Mr. Memphis and the aaaamaaaazing work he has done. Chances are, you may have met Memphis, been greeted with a smile and a wag, and felt love.

Memphis can sure use a lot of love right now, and so can his dad. Seeing someone struggle and worry is heartbreaking as many of us know. Putting your faith and trust in others can be tough, but we know Memphis is getting great care, and we know he is going to be okay.