Ryan and Pico pose for the camera. Pico’s paws rest on Ryan’s lap.
Dear Pico:
As we kick off 2024 and you officially hang up your service dog vest and trade it in for a well-deserved life of leisure, sprawled out on your deluxe Big Barker dog bed (a far cry from our early training days), I can't help but reminisce about our adventures - filled with advocacy, more than a few antics, and remarkable achievements.
Let's rewind to our first public outing, shall we? Ah, Potbelly Sandwich Works. The scene of the 'Great Sandwich Heist'. You, the dapper dog, thought it'd be hilarious to leap at the counter as if it had whispered sweet nothings to you. Me? I'm trying to play it cool, thinking, "Is this a test? Did Canine Companions® teach him this?" You were testing my handling skills, and I was trying not to crack up.
Then came our crusade for change. Your charm and intelligence were pivotal in spearheading policy changes with giants like Uber, Lyft, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). You weren’t just a cute face; you were a force to be reckoned with and always camera ready for maximum impact. Your presence alone was enough to turn boardroom discussions into action plans for more inclusive and accessible spaces.
And let's not forget our victories with Starbucks and Petco. Your tail-wagging enthusiasm and our relentless advocacy turned everyday into an adventure. We made those spaces not just accessible, but welcoming for people like us and the 42 million disabled people nationwide.
Through it all, you've been my biggest support against chronic pain and my secret weapon in advocating for a world that sees wheels and paws not as limitations, but as badges of honor. You've wagged, I've wheeled, and together, we've been unstoppable.
As you embark on this new chapter of couch surfing and treat tasting, remember, retirement doesn't mean you're out of the game. It just means you're playing in a new, comfier league. And as for me, I'll keep the advocacy torch burning, inspired by your legacy – a legacy that includes an impressive record of sandwiches stolen and right from under my nose.
Here's to you, Pico. For the laughter, the achievements, and the unwavering companionship. You're more than a service dog; you're a trailblazer, a friend, and the best pup I could have asked for. Enjoy every moment of your retirement – you've earned it, buddy.
Pico, in your retirement, remember to live by your own advice: if you can't eat it or play with it, just take a nap on it.
With love, laughter, and gratitude
-Ryan