I was told by a good friend that an assistance dog could help me with my day to day activities. I have a progressive neuromuscular disorder and it greatly affects my breathing and balance. I had heard of assistance dogs but had no idea that I could benefit from having one. Surprisingly, I was unable to find sites specifically related to assistance/service dogs. My children went online and found sites explaining what they were, but not where to find services. My Associate Pastor heard about "NEADS"/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans.(NEADS= National Education of Assistance Dog Services) I went to their web site, www.neads.org, and was amazed at what I found. I arranged for an interivew w/ NEADS, and upon completion of the interview I was accepted to receive a "balance/walker" dog. During the 3+ hours interview I was asked questions about every aspect of my life. The dog, therefore, will be socialized along the shoreline, around small children, in church, the theatre and all areas of hospital comings and goings as I find myself there for appointments and emergencies.
I was told that it is usually about 4 - 6 months from the time of your acceptance before you receive "the call" telling you that you have been "matched" with your new partner.
On Wednesday, October 21st, I received that call! I have now set up this blog to chronicle my excitement, training, and life w/ a new partner "Alli". Alli is a 20 mos., 70 lbs. female black lab who, I've been told, is a very fun-loving, well rounded service dog who loves to fetch and is a great retriever in her own right. I will meet Alli on November 9th when I begin my intense 2 week training and partnering with her.
