Goodbye Madison

I’ve met a girl who has stolen my heart. Her name is Madison, and she is a 1-year-old Boxer. It was love on first walk. On Monday one of my friends suggested going to the Humane Society of Littleton. There was a huge room full of crated dogs eager to be walked and a room full of like 20 cats to be pet. Everyday the Humane Society has dog walking hours between 12-1 and 4-5. We just show up and ask to walk dogs. On my first walk on Monday I was given Madison. She is just so great! She is playful, so loving, and happy to be going for a walk. We ran and ran. I tried to give her as much exercise in a short period of time so that I could give other dogs a walk. Each dog that I walked I felt so conflicted whether to give them a long walk and a lot of attention, or to give them shorter walks so that I could give more dogs a walk. I’ve gone dog walking every day this week. I always request Madison first. She’s my girl. Don’t worry Scout and Peanut, you’re still my number 1’s. It’s crazy how much spending time with dogs does for my wellbeing. I’m getting service hours for going, but I’m positive that I would go even without service hours. I look forward to seeing the pups every single day.

I said goodbye to Madison today. It’s probably the last time I will see her. I am leaving for Texas on Saturday morning. It’s funny how big of a deal it feels to be leaving. We had induction today and we were officially inducted into the Corps. We wore our formal wear (AmeriTux). It was very “sentimental” (not actually, it was kinda strange and uncomfortable how significant it attempted to be). But I do feel the significance of leaving campus. Orientation is over. That feels like a big accomplishment. It was honestly pretty tough sometimes to be sitting in meetings after meetings being lectured on the most intuitive information, and watching your behavior and appearance, as to not be corrected by a team leader. I felt very watched. But were off to do some serious and meaningful work! I am sad, though, to leave some of the friends I have made this month. I never thought I would feel so comfortable and attached to people after only a month. But I do, and I like it.

Never thought I would be so excited to move to Texas, and to live in trailers! Were setting off in 2 days, and I am just so ready. My team leader, Pita, is just so great. She is so chill and understanding, but I have so much respect for at the same time. Alright, well I am in the middle of doing laundry, so I should probably finish it up. I have a big day of celebrating and final hoorahs to do today.

PEACE OUT DENVER!