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| BUCK'S CORNER |
by Gray Wolf's Resident Labrador Retriever
Hi. I'm Buck, GWR's resident black Labrador retriever. Welcome
to my corner.
The staff here at Gray Wolf has recently been reflecting
on the first two years of our program. So much has happened
since those early days (fourteen years ago in "dog years," mind
you). I remember when our first few residents arrived. The
staff would run around getting so excited, working so hard
to be sure that everything was perfect. Then they'd watch
with such pride as the guys would complete the program and
graduate, moving on to the next cycle of their lives. Our
place has certainly grown, you might even say "grown
up," since those first few weeks and months. Gray Wolf
Ranch has really established itself. We are now seen as an
effective and popular spot for young guys completing their
primary treatment and continuing their "aftercare." I'm
happy to report that, even with growth, the small setting
and personal care has remained. As for me, with more fellows
to teach the proper techniques of Frisbee and "fetch," my
days are quite full. Watching our new recreation annex go
up has also been great fun. As dogs know, exercise is both
a joy and a necessity. "Go for a walk?" is music
to my ears! For the guys in our program, learning the value
of staying fit and active is a key part of recovery. Our
new rec room will be a busy place. Fortunately, the evening
meetings give me a time to rest!
It's been good to see the camaraderie and friendships developing
between the residents--trusting each other enough to open
up and share their hopes and fears and seeing that it's possible
to turn their lives around. It's been nice, too, to see so
many parents coming here from all over the country to check
out our program. They seem very satisfied with what they
see. I for one know how hard our residents work at doing
chores around here to keep Gray Wolf looking nice. To see
parents and sons talking and laughing together is a joy.
The best reward is hearing the words "I've got my son
back."
Our goal, of course, is for our residents to reach a point
where they can leave Gray Wolf and continue on with their
lives. But when their stay here has come to an end and they've
earned their wings, it's a time of mixed emotions for me.
Ah, "parting is such sweet sorrow." It's tough
to say goodbye to my "boys". I'll miss their companionship,
their laughter, and their tears. But I know they leave here
prepared for a better, fuller, richer life without the suffering
of addiction. And my work as "man's best friend" will
continue with the next young man who walks through our front
door.
Until next time,
Buck
