I have almost always had a dachshund. I was born into a family that had one. Her name was Nicki. We had to put her down when I was 7 so I do not remember her too well. I remember crying the night before we put down, so I know I had some form of attachment to her. When I was 10, God led us to Caleb! He was an amazing little boy!!!! We had him until I was 27 in 2016, when we sadly had to put him down. He was 17 and we had him for that length of time. My family let me make the decision of when we put him down which meant a lot to me, and it helped me with the grieving process.
For 9 years, I was without a puppy. I now know after getting Gideon, I waited too long. There were issues with timing and just regular logistics. Now it was possible to get a puppy and that is what I did!!! I knew this was going to MY puppy and dog and because of that, I have known for years that my baby would be named Gideon- Gideon James. Gideon is my favorite biblical prophet, and his story means so much to me and I see myself in Gideon. I chose the name James for his middle name because James in one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Caleb had a biblical name, and it was also important to me to keep up with that theme.
Gideon is amazing! He is helping me in so many ways already! I think the biggest thing so far is he has really taught me about God's love for us! I love him so much! He is a puppy, so he does things that I do not like but I love him, and those moments do not make me love him any less! I may get frustrated with him, but I don't give on him! God is that way with us!!! We may do things that He does not like, but He loves us nonetheless! Like I would never think of giving up on Gideon, God never thinks about giving up on us!
I am so thankful for my therapist! She went above and beyond to make Gideon identified as an emotional service dog (ESA) and it was finally approved! This allows him to let me without monthly fees and a deposit! He is also allowed to go to public places with me. It is such a blessing! I also learned that God does provide through that situation.
Gideon is 2 months old! He was born on the same day as my nephew! This was how we knew it was right! I will never wait 9 years again! He has really increased my quality of life!
