September is National Assistance Dog month. It has caused me to sit back, and take stock of my life. I tried to think about where I might be had Alli, my first Service Dog, not come to me when she did. I truly believe in Fate....I think everything happens for a reason. There is a saying that the best days of your life are yet to come. Well, the best days of my life have been, with the exception of the birth of my 3 children and 1 grandchild, since the onset of my illness in 1992. I'm excited knowing that with all the good that has come to me....the best is yet to come! It has been difficult, even at the best of times, to function with an unknown illness attacking my muscles progressively. However, the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned because of this illness have been invaluable. Do I wish I didn't have this illness, of course, but I honestly don't think I'd change anything in my life. I think I'm a far "better" person with it than without, and believe that I will accomplish more now than I ever could have. But, back to Tippy....and of course, Alli. When I went for training with Alli in Nov. of '09, I met 3 classmates that will forever be a part of my life, a part of who I am. I have never been a "woe is me" gal, and have actually functioned as though I have no disability as much as I can. It takes a toll not only on your body, but your mind and soul as well when you try to deny it's existence. But my classmates taught me that while I am a person with a disability, a chronic pain survivor, it doesn't have to define me as an individual. Before Alli, I had taught Pre-K and at times 4 yrs. olds for 26 years. I have always been able to speak with and interact with children, but nearly always shied away from adults.....a definite result from lack of self-confidence, and not the greatest self-esteem. Since receiving Alli, however, I love being out in public. I have so much more self-confidence/esteem than I ever thought I would. I am so proud to have the company and unconditional love of my Service Dog. (I always say that we've got a mutual unconditional love thing going on!!!) I have found my voice, and a great way to share it. What began with Alli, now continues with Tippy. I volunteer with the US Pain Foundation helping to make a difference in the lives of chronic pain survivors. We, Tippy and I, have testified before House and Senate committees on patients' rights. Particularly, the insurance practice of "Step Therapy/Fail First", and "Specialty Tiers". In Connecticut, in 2010, Alli and I, along with other advocates, spoke with legislators . We were successful, and in late Summer of that year Governor Malloy signed the bill, creating a new law prohibiting insurance companies from requiring patients to try and fail on other pain medications before approving the initial medication that the physician prescribed. It was the first such law in the nation. I never in a million years would have imagined myself in this position. It was the furthest thing from my mind before being partnered with my first Service Dog. I also love to volunteer at NEADS events. I have a whole new life thanks to NEADS, one which is so enhanced by the addition of a partner, Tippy. I love.....and I have to add here that Tippy also loves and thrives on, sharing the NEADS story with others. Not only do I love telling everyone, anyone, about this wonderful organization, I also love showing them what a Service Dog is capable of providing for their partner. Tippy is so focused on me when he's working,(and when he's not) that it's almost always remarked by onlookers. He loves practicing his skills and behaviors, and for the most part he never balks. Since he takes his obedience so seriously, I think we're going to try "Rally-O". Rally Obedience is an activity whereby an individual with their dog navigates a course with obedience skills tested throughout. There are signs, every few yards, with specific behaviors written on them. The handler is encouraged to speak to the dog often, encouraging them to follow the given directions as well as praising the dog for a job well done. Tippy looks at me so intently, not wanting to make a mistake, that you can almost see the wheels turning as he processes the commands. Again, another activity I would not be doing were it not for my Service Dog. I didn't know this existed when I had my "pet" dogs, but again, it's part of the new world that has opened up before me. The added, and totally unexpected, benefit is Tippy's ability to alert me to the onset of a migraine before I'm even aware it's coming. I have chronic severe a-typical migraines, which in at least 3 cases proved to be mild strokes. Alli began alerting me to this after we were together for a year. When I was matched with Tippy in February I hoped that he would do it within the first year as well. He actually began doing it after just 3 months. He doesn't get them all, but we've only been partners for seven months, so I guess he's ahead of the game already. As did Alli, Tippy wears my med container on his collar which I'm sure helps him to sense the correlation.
So, where would I be without a Service Dog for my partner? I would be merely existing...not living my life to the fullest! I know I would not be enjoying these years, as I now do, always looking to the future and what it might hold....
A future....that's what NEADS has provided, when matchng me with a Service Dog.... not only a future, but a future filled with endless possibilities....
Peace,
Wendy and Tippy!
