Asia and Her Pawprints

Five years ago today, Asia, my golden retriever passed away. She was an amazing dog that some of you had the pleasure to meet. Asia was very special to me and to many students in the Keller Independent School District. Asia was a working dog, one that went to school with me every day. She had been trained to be a therapy dog. The impact that she had on many people was profound. I was teaching children with emotional problems and she was a one-of-a-kind resource. Asia had a calming effect on the children in my class. My students loved and trusted her. They were able to feel and give love to her without the fear of rejection. Asia was a magician at being able to diffuse a potential disruptive situation. She brought smiles to some many faces, and she listened without judging to children talk and cry through pain. It was a great experience for me to have her with me by my side every day. She made the transition to administration with me and became the "school dog" instead of just the "class dog". She rewarded children on their good behavior. She spent time with children that had reading difficulties and needed her fur to practice writing their letters. Asia had articles written about her in the Dallas Morning News, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, numerous nationwide magazines and was seen on a nationwide television show called America's Greatest Pets. Happiness truly came to many due to Asia's sweet spirit.

When she passed away it was extremely difficult and emotional for Beth Ann and I. We were pregnant and I desired for our child to be around her. Asia passed away before Riley was born, but we got a picture of her framed that hung over his bed so that she could watch over him for us. Her pictures and memories will always be a part of our lives. We still talk about her and I go speak to my kindergarten students each year about her. I have a keepsake book that Beth Ann made the chronicles her life. She left a legacy of love that I only hope to try to replicate.

The following is something I wrote five years ago after Asia passed away:

Pawprints on our Hearts

I looked up to her,

never mind she was much shorter.

She was the picture of consistency.

She always wanted to make others feel better.

I have never known anyone with a bigger

heart for children.

She listened, touched, cared, smiled, helped,

relieved, taught and deeply loved.

She had a graceful tenderness in her affection

towards all.

She would continually go the "extra mile",

doing what she was called to do and willing to do much more.

Stardom from newspapers, magazines and television

shows never changed her. Through all the attention she

remained focused on others.

She was loyal to her job, but she did enjoy getting home

for a good meal and a nap.

Picking her up every day for work was a joy for me

because I witnessed the daily impact she had on those around her.

She took care of tears, anger, fear and worry and turned

them to happiness like a counselor would do.

She listened to stories that comforted those that needed to talk

and never offered any bad advice back.

She never refused any help that she may have needed.

She was a friend to all.

I want to be just like her... enriching others every minute of every day

with unconditional love.

She was loved by all.

She was my friend, she was my baby.

Her name was Asia, she was my dog,

and now she is God's.

Craig Fisher, February 24, 2000

Thanks for sharing in this great memory for me and my family.