Brayden was my black Labrador Assistance Dog as I have PTSD.
He began life as a working Guide Dog and then due to no fault on his part, six months into the job, was reclassified and we were paired up. It was an instant bond and as they say, the rest is history. He helped me get back into the world after many years of isolation. We went by air, land and sea on our expeditions and he even found himself a new mum, my wonderful wife.
We were inseparable and he won hearts where ever he went. He was a true people metre. If he took to someone, he would let them know with a lick on the hand and if he did not there was good reason. One of his favourite times was being with children with unseen disabilities. Somehow, he knew and would cuddle up to the child.
We frequented cafes up and down the east side of Australia including Tassie and we would share a cappuccino together, (him after me). This intrigued a lot of café owners and resulted in his photo on Facebook pages of four cafés.
He left this world at the good old age of eleven. We spent almost nine and a half great years together. He retired himself from working just short of ten. One day we were off to the vet for his annual checkup, I opened the car door and he just sat down and put his right paw up to say, “I’m not getting in dad, I’m too old for this”.
Throughout most of his life he enjoyed sitting in my lap, whether at home or in public; all 38 kilos of him.
He really enjoyed a pig’s ear to chew on. Oh, and a marshmallow for supper!
He was true to the Labrador breed in every sense.
He was my brown eyed, black furred, loving, puppy people greeter, sure was good to me.
As he helped in me back into society and start enjoying life again, I thought it only fitting to place his Geocache in Victoria Park which brings a lot of enjoyment to many people.
Vale my best mate.
You will need a pen.