Graduation.......continued!!!!

So, I've mentioned that when I trained with Alli in November, there were 3 other great people. We finally got a picture of the 4 of us at graduation on March 7th. Karin and Lucky, Ellen and Magpie(Maggie) and, Eddie and Houdini...... with Alli and me on the far right. It was so good to see them all again........I know Alli was really happy to see them! Alli always slouches when she sits so she looks so small, but she is actually almost as big as Lucky, just about 2 lbs lighter and probably only an inch or two shorter. The 2 in the middle, Maggie and Houdini, are sister and brother and you can see how much smaller she is. They are all beautiful labs, with the most amazing temperaments. They each also have unique personalities.....I'm not sure that it's necessarily the best thing, but I guess you would call Alli the "class clown".....if there was one. Ellen is in Wisconsin having surgery to help her continue to walk and not be strapped to a power wheel chair all the time. I hope all who read this post will send their prayers of wellness and recovery her way.

I feel very fortunate to have met these 3 strong, wonderful people. They have each helped me in one way or another realize that dealing openly with my illness is not a sign of "giving in". I tried for so long to act as "business as usual" and usually paid the price. It's nice from time to time to talk with others also dealing with chronic illness. It's never a "pity party" as one might think. Far from it. You find yourself gaining strength and definitely encouragement from one another. There's actually a type of security in knowing that you're not alone with your feelings and/or thoughts where your illness is concerned. It's even easier to deal with your day to day issues, such as doctor visits and your comfort level in general.

So, you see these dogs have really opened up a renewed level of adventure. I mentioned in an earlier post that Alli and I had visited a nursery school, something I hope to do more of. Well, my associate pastor is thinking of having me bring Alli when she makes some calls at one of our local nursing homes. Because Alli is already a trained service dog......."card carrying" even....... she is already used to wheel chairs, walkers, and hospital sounds and smells. These are all things a "therapy" type dog must become accustomed to before they can be certified. I obviously have a lot of new experiences to look forward to.

One last thing. I finally got the date for my Social Security Disability hearing. April 19th. Please think positive thoughts for me on that day!!!! After the 2 denials, you automatically go to a hearing. The problem is that my attorney filed for the hearing by the required December 2008 date. My attorney told us that the wait can be up to 1 year from the Dec. '08 date. I was not notified of the hearing date until February of this year!!! So, I've been unable to work since March of 2007. That's a heck of a long time to go without a paycheck. Mark has been working a second job to make up for it. He will probably keep it when I'm approved, just cut back and be firm about when he will and will not work.

I will post again in a day or two. I plan on uploading a picture of Alli and Houdini.........
They are so cute together!!!

Regular Training.......and a little fun!!!

Alli has not let "Graduation" go to her head......at least not too much! She has at least one "play-date" a week, plus she now plays most afternoons with "Magic". Magic is some sort of Pomeranian/Shi-Tsu(sp?) type dog. In other words, he's pint sized and has the attitude of a Rottweiler! I was afraid, at first, that Alli could hurt him since he is 17 lbs., and Alli is close to 72 pounds. I soon realized that his owner was right.......he is too quick to worry about! Although she gives her "play-date" friend Braeden(a Weimerainer)a "run" for his money Magic knows how to take shortcuts across the park area and meet her when she rounds a corner! I am looking forward to when the warmer weather arrives and more dogs will hopefully appear at the park to play, too! I always describe Alli as a "people person" because she is soooo social, almost to a fault, and I know she'll enjoy playing with lots of dogs and it will be good for her to get her "fix"!

I'm attaching 2 brief videos today. One of Alli doing some walking with me, and one of her playing. I am lucky enough to have a church family that allows me to use our "fellowship hall" when the weather is not cooperative......though we exercise outside most days.

NEADS Graduation

On Sunday, March 7th, Alli and I officially graduated from NEADS! There were 21 teams graduating with all but 1 present. The event took place at the "Four Points Sheraton" in Leominster, MA. To anyone outside of Mass., it would be pronounced "Leo-minster". If you're a native of Mass., it's pronounced "Lemonster". The hall was packed with 20 + dogs and all were behaving wonderfully! I'm sure that many a teacher would like to know how that was accomplished! It was, however, the culmination of many years of training for the dogs, and weeks to months of learning for their human partners. Although it was a requirement for the teams to attend, being that it counts as part of our training, I would not have missed it for anything. It was our chance to say "Thank You" to the NEADS family. Thanks certainly doesn't sound sufficient for what these amazing canines mean to each of us but none-the-less that is what is done. Below is the "spiel" that I gave when it came to my turn.

"They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the story is no different here at NEADS where the village helps to prepare our partners for their permanent place in our hearts; alongside us, improving our quality of life and allowing us to stay as active as possible with a positive attitude. There are truly no words adequate enough to convey my gratitude to the NEAD family, beginning with Dick Beman(CEO) and continuing with Candi Hitchcock(COO), John Moon, Kathy Foreman, Donna Laconti, Sherri Forest and Terry Chaffee-Veroneau. Lest we forget the wonderful care in the kennel from Dan Oulette, the amazing work of the Puppy Raisers Cindy Lopez, Cyndi Ryan and Dave Hessel. And a mere thank you is certainly not enough for the training received by both dog and client from Brian Jennings, Erin Wylie and Paula to name a few........I have to add here that I am sure I've forgotten several names along the way, but the entire NEADS family is deserving of a standing "O". I also have to thank my inmate/handler Pam from MCI Framingham who allowed Alli to keep her unique personality.......and oh, what a personality it is!!!! Alli's weekend Puppy Raiser, Elisabeth Merritt, introduced Allii to a world of experiences including a trip to Texas for Christmas '08. And her Puppy Raiser, Ginger Reinders, also deserves a round of applause! With just one of these parts missing, the results couldn't possibly be as successful. It truly does take the entire village.

"Along with those already mentioned, I can't forget the love and support I have received from my family, close friends, church members.......(especially one church member who helped to show me that if I ever had any doubts about the career I chose they were unfounded), and even my high school graduating class from 19**!!!! I have yet to learn all the names of those who helped to sponsor Alli and when the cards do go out, I hope they well be able to convey my sentiments clearly. Without them, I may not have gotten to this point so quickly! I also feel so lucky to have been put in class with Ellen, Karin, and Eddie. We were all matched so well with our dogs as well as each other. Camaraderie goes a long way in a new situation. We continue to keep in touch and that too is a source of comfort.

"A very warm thank you goes out to all who have been involved in my NEADS adventure with the wonderfully outcome of a new companion, a returning sense of independence, knowledge of an amazing service and a chance to reconnect with young children. Alli has visited a nursery school and has played with many children in hotel lobbies while I explain NEADS and the service dog's abilities to very interested parents watching as my "Gentle Giant" plays lovingly with their children.

"In closing, I thought it would be nice if Alli and I could show NEADS how we feel about them and how they brought us together with a high "5".....but Alli insisted it was worthy of a high "10"!!!!!"

At that point, Alli sat back, put her forepaws up in the air and "slapped" my 2 hands. Alli is most happy when she's learning new commands so I am constantly trying to teach her new and useful ones. Along the way she's also picking up some that are just plain "fun"!

I had also planned on reading a "poem"(?) that Alli's inmate/handler Pam had written in the "puppy album" she put together for me but I ran out of time. But, I will include it below as it really does sum up Alli and her personality.

A Laugh, a smile, a heart

L iving life just for the joy of it

L oving people one kiss at a time

I nspiring. Always & Forever.

At this point, I will stop but I hope to post more regularly in the future. I will also include, once again, the NEADS web address where one can donate either by donating in general, with respect with an individual, or by naming a puppy for $1,000. Such a worthy organization!