Have you ever wondered just how a service dog learns his cues as well as skills? Before Casper came to me, I often thought about the nuances of preparing the dogs for the step before acquiring their new job...their phases of training. Such small steps, yet so important as the dogs are getting ready to begin a new journey in various settings with excited human beings. PAALS is unique in that they get a special group of young people to assist them in developing the dogs' skills, but they also give them the keys to understanding dogs and disabilities, learning obedience cues, acquiring leadership skills, and appreciating diversity. In the month of August, Casper and I attended both the one week beginner and advanced dog training camps for youth in our area. What we took away from the experience was lasting memories and images that will affect our future experiences as well as interactions with young people in our community. Seeing the jubilant faces the first day of camp was … [Read more...]

As I sit here at 5:30 a.m. on this Thursday morning, barely awake before the sun has even risen, lights shining down on Casper and me, cameras waiting to capture his every move, I am reminded of the importance of celebrating just how far the assistance dog movement has come. When I was coming of age, the only true recognized assistance dog was the Guide Dog. Well over thirty years later, assistance dogs come in many roles and varieties. With this evolution has emerged an increasing amount of independence, empowerment, and sense of community. Looking on as Casper retrieves my keys for the morning news, I feel an overwhelming desire to yell, "Yippee," not just for Casper, but for every assistance dog, volunteer, and organization who changes someone's life! Having a service dog personally has given me daily insight into the monumental impact an assistance dog has over your life. Whether Casper is helping me to undress at night, maneuver through a doorway, opening doors, retrieving … [Read more...]

Have you ever had that feeling where things were going so well that it felt like a dream? Or, have you ever felt something was too good to be true? As I sit here, not only am I celebrating my 12th wedding anniversary, but I am rejoicing in seven months together with my service dog, Casper. Just like a marriage, there are ups and downs in a relationship with a service dog. At the beginning of a marriage, there are many blissful times; the same is true of a partnership with your canine. When I first met my husband, we were on cloud nine and nothing seemed impossible. The same can be said of my relationship with Casper, however, at some point, the honeymoon does end. That is not necessarily a bad thing because you learn to appreciate your relationship more and where you need to do more work. What I have learned is you need to be flexible, patient, and be willing to put in the time to get through the difficult patches. You see, no relationship or creature is perfect, whether they be … [Read more...]

Sitting back this week, gazing at the new PAALS clients before us reminds me of where we were six months ago. Seeing their eager, yet inquisitive faces brings all that Casper and I have been through to the forefront of my mind. Realizing how far we have come truly did not hit me until this moment. Getting an assistance dog is a monumental experience, but the impact it has on your life comes to fruition much later down the road. The process, at times, seems long and overwhelming, but the rewards far outweigh your expectations. When I began the process of getting my third service dog, Casper, I must admit, I was not sure I was ready to learn over seventy new cues in just two weeks. While having had two service dogs prior to Casper probably put me at a slight advantage over other new clients in terms of knowing what to expect when dealing with the public, you are never fully prepared for how it will affect your family and interpersonal dynamics. The key to having a successful … [Read more...]

Do you ever get bogged down in the hectic stresses of daily life? Do you ever wonder how you can get it all done in one day? I know we do. Sometimes, we all feel like there isn't enough time in a day to do everything we want. But, when we sit down and take the time to just relax and enjoy the day, we realize we are so lucky to have all that we do. I recognized what a powerful gift I have been given this weekend. The Power Of The Gift... This weekend I had an a-ha moment while reflecting in my backyard on Sunday. I realized what a truly momentous gift I have been given!!! Not just the gift of Casper, himself, but what that gift entails. Casper opens the door to so many people and avenues I never quite expected to reach. With his quiet demeanor, soulful eyes, and gentle spirit, he changes the atmosphere of an environment. I knew he was a gift the weekend we met, but I never imagined the magnitude to which he would affect individuals. We have had the opportunity to see just … [Read more...]

As I am out walking Casper on this sunny, seventy degree morning, I am reminded of where I was on this day last year: Cinco de Mayo. Waiting to be wheeled into surgery, I was about to have bone spurs from my neck removed before they punctured my esophagus. At this exact moment, I remember being scared because the doctors were not sure how deeply the spurs were embedded and if they would cause damage to my voice in removing them. Everyone who knows me realizes I love to talk and the idea of losing that scared me immensely. :-)Laying on that gurney, I prayed to get through the experience, never knowing where the year ahead might lead. After a long summer of agonizing therapy and recovery, I had some painstaking decisions to make. I had this wonderful, white curly haired partner who had transformed my life for nearly nine years. He laid on my bed as I recovered slowly each day, nursing me back to health with his own special brand of medicine. "How was I going to let him go?" I … [Read more...]