Alli Meets Prudence Island..........and the Crab!!!!

How wonderful it was to be able to go out to the
house and not be afraid of falling while alone!!! Alli loved the whole experience.....especially swimming and squirming around on her back in the sand! She will retrieve anything you ask her to so when that is combined with her crazy love of swimming she is absolutely in heaven! She doesn't even mind the lead she has to be hooked to since the area is not enclosed. I found a very light weight 50' marine line so it doesn't get too heavy when it's wet. Since I can't have the pressure of the water on my chest I can no longer swim but we had lots of fun just the same. I am attaching this photo and then a brief video at the end in which she goes crazy over a very (yuck!!) dead horseshoe crab to show that, yes, a service dog's life is not only work, work, work! Because she has the large head with the droopy eyes and huge jowls(I've been told that it's because she is American and English Lab) people constantly tell me that she looks sad. They don't see her when she's at home or the dog park where she absolutely unwinds and goes crazy. When she plays with 3 other labs at the park, I swear that it reminds me of the huge bucks on the old "Mutual of Omaha" show, bumping their chests when it's mating time!!!! While it was great to be on the island with Alli, I don't think I can continue to make the trip alone to the ferry in Bristol. Highway driving used to be easier than local driving just because I wouldn't have to count on my leg being steady with the brake pedal constantly as is necessary with local traffic. Now, though, the pain in my limbs and especially my back is making it almost impossible to sit long enough(1 1/2 hrs)to get to P I. For the time being I'll trudge through it just because it's like a sanctuary for me so I'll try to ignore the pain. Mark always says that I need to learn that I have limits because 1 day's activity means at least 1....if not 2 day's of being totally spent and usually on my bed. I do know my limits. I just have to decide if the activity is worth the pain........more times than not I go for it.......just because I'm not ready to "give in" yet. With the summer months, however, I will be in most of the time anyway because I can't be out when the humidity even begins to rise. I guess breathing is more important than fun most of the time! At least it will probably mean that I'll post more often!

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!

"All Creatures Great and Small"

Well, I've been without my laptop for 5 weeks and it feels like a year. Since I don't get around quite as much as before I really count on my on-line contact to keep current with the world! I had really planned on keeping the blog going but, alas, when you least expect it......poof! A lot has happened since my last posting so this may take a while.

Shortly after that last posting at Thanksgiving I had another incident which landed me in the emergency room. I was speaking to my daughter about the headache I had when she noticed that one side of my mouth was sagging and not responding when I was speaking. She insisted she take me to our emergency clinic fearing that it was another migraine/TIA or, worse, a stroke. I finally agreed to go and was comforted knowing that my daughter and Alli could be with me. My headache became excruciating and they had trouble bringing the pain level down. However, my daughter reminded me that Alli could be on the stretcher with me. I told her to "jump", and patted where I wanted her. I began stroking her from the side of her head down her side as far as I could reach just like I do every morning and every evening. She kept staring at me, and I guess I dozed off. In any case, I awoke with a slightly less severe headache. I continued to pet her and telling her what a "good girl" she is and how luck I am to have her as my partner. The long and short of it is that After a couple of hours at the clinic I was able to go home w/ Rx's for pain and nausea. I truly expected to have to go to the hospital as before but was pleasantly surprised and grateful to have All to calm and relax me.

The following weekend my mother-in-law, my daughter Bethany, Alli and I went to the Kenny Rogers Holiday concert at the Mohegan Sun. I don't believe in gambling, but my mother-in-law gets complimentary tickets and rooms so we were also able to spend the night. Alli was wonderful! I jokingly kept saying beforehand that my mother-in-law was more concerned with Alli liking the concert and being comfortable in the hotel room than any of us 2 legged persons! In any case, they had gotten us aisle seats on the floor about 10 rows from the stage. The first half of the concert was "oldies" and though Alli behaved she seemed a bit antsy. During the intermission, she kept looking at me in the ladies room and licking my face. It suddenly dawned on my that during that first half she probably couldn't see my face. The second half was Christmas favorites and I was on the aisel. Alli was great, and actually curled up at our feet and slept the remainder of the concert. My mother-in-law went her way and Bethany, Alli and I went to the martini bar for a drink. We were going to just have a glass of wine since I rarely drink anymore now that I take so many meds, however, my daughter had the wine and I had a "Lemondrop Martini". Alli waited patiently by our feet. A gentleman at the bar(we later found out that he is a bail bondsman) kept remarking on my beautiful dog. He was obviously "3 sheets to the wind" and Bethany and I chuckled once or twice. He said that he was going to buy All a drink. Soon after, I saw the bartender hand him a Tupperware-type dish filled with water and with a slice of lemon hanging over the side!!!!!!!!! He delivered it to Alli and I told him, "I want you to know that she's not a cheap date. You can't buy her one drink and think she'll follow you home"! In any case, the rest of the evening went w/out incident and she loved sleeping in the hotel room!

Tomorrow: Alli Meets Some Sugarplums at the Ballet!

Thanksgiving...... in a Whole New Light

I hope everyone had a restful and, yes,............delicious Thanksgiving! I am so thankful this year, not only for my family but for the three other recipients that I met at NEADS this month and how NEADS has helped them as well. How blessed we all are to have the opportunity to improve our quality of life with a new partner by our side. Alli was with me at our family's celebration and I really enjoyed our time together. We had a smaller, more intimate group this year. It was just the Fosters and it once again felt like time to be "home for the holidays"!

I am continuously amazed at how Alli is able to help me in all aspects of my life. For the first time in several years, I was able to sit on the floor and enjoy the appetizers in a more relaxed manner. My daughter, Em, tried to tell me not to since I have been unable to get up myself lately. But I sat none the less, enjoyed the company of all and Alli helped me up when dinner was served. She lay very quiet and still under the table by my feet during the meal and joined us all in the living room following. She was so well behaved and didn't hesitate when given any commands. I can't remember the last time I was comfortable enough to enjoy the holidays.

Today I did some running around w/ my daughter. It started with a "get to know you" visit to the vet. I have been using this practice since 1967! (maybe '68) Each of the doctors is so kind and caring with your animal. The one we saw today is my favorite as he was so good with our dog before Alli. When we put Simba down in February they put a large quilt on the floor of the exam room for him to lay on and so that we could be as close as possible as he passed. I haven't heard that too many vets look to your comfort as well as your pet at times like that. As expected, the doctor told us that Alli was in great shape, healthy, good weight and a beautiful lab. She's lost just under half a pound since coming home Friday but the stress of another new event/place is probably the culprit. She always seems very happy and content so I'm not too concerned. We made some other stops before hitting a fast food restaurant for lunch. And, though I was told that it would happen from time to time, the manager approached me at the counter and said; "You probably noticed the sign on the door as you came in that says 'No Dogs Allowed'''. When I informed him that Alli is a service dog he still looked unsure and I began to explain the "Americans with Disabilities Act", one of the workers said that yes, service dogs can go into any restaurant. While he still looked like he doubted it, he let it go. My daughter suggested that next time I should explain it a bit more calmly! It was the first time I was presented with the problem and I guess I was caught off guard. I was polite, but I guess I just made it seem a bit urgent! In any case Alli slept through the whole meal........as usual!

Apparently it was a little too much running. I ended up with a migraine and prepared myself to spend the next half day or so in the dark. I'm usually only able to handle an hour or two out providing I'm not standing too much of the time. In any case, after Em left for work, I lay in my room in the dark. I gave Alli the command to "jump" and she lay by my feet on the bed. The next thing I knew she had her head resting on my legs and was just looking at me. I felt so relaxed and calm that I suddenly realized that although I still had the headache, the Motrin had been all that was necessary no need for the Rx's! I'll still feel spent tomorrow but that's okay. Like I said, it's amazing how the dogs can comfort emotionally as well as aid physically.

It suddenly dawned on me that with all of the "spewing" I've done I've neglected to post the most important link yet.....the NEADS site. And, for now, I'll leave it below and say "Good Night"

www.neads.org

"Stop & Shop and Beyond!"

Well, another day, another doctors' visit. Aside from the fact that I didn't plan properly so instead of meeting the other dog ahead of time, Alli met him as he ran to her outside! Well, when they tell us that these dogs are able to pull us right over.........they're right! Believe me, that won't happen again!!!!

Back to Stop & Shop! When we went to Stop & Shop the first time, as a field trip, we walked through the aisles, and practiced "down/stay" as we looked at items on both sides. We once again had the dogs do "under" a clearance table. As they go under they turn, down and stay. I think I've already said that I've already used this several times and Alli does it perfect every time........on our test, although she did go under, I forgot to lengthen the assistance leash and had to bend over to give her enough lead to do as she knew she needed to. And, since she barely had enough lead, I needed to correct her in order for her to go down. Of course, this kind of defeats the purpose of having a partner to help if you can't make it possible for her to succeed! Back to the field trip. We also had the dogs "jump" on the bench by the pharmacy, and then told them "off". All along, I've needed to try to make the corrections equal across the board. My biggest problem has been when telling All to "leave it!" and she chooses not to, or to turn her head quickly and then look back again. I tend to give the leash a tug instead of a quick hard jerk up. A throw back to training Simba, I guess. The last few days I've really been working hard on it, and it definitely shows in how Alli is responding. So, back at S&S, since I had my car I had to show that I could get Alli in and out safely. Of course, once again, I choked when I was being tested. I always have her sit and stay by my side as I open the door, lengthen the lead, and straighten the pad that she jumps on to protect the back seat. I then tell her to jump, she jumps, turns and sits, I say stay, and hook up the lead. Well, I did everything except "sit" before opening the door to put her in! Oh, well, everything went fine despite my errors, she did as she was told and we passed just fine. For the exam, we were back at Stop&Shop walking the isles. Brian, one of our trainers, walked behind us at the onset and dropped something making a loud noise. The dogs were able to be momentarily distracted but had to quickly forge ahead. All went well. We did Recall Level I again and continued our walk. Brian also put food down on the floor and we had to walk w/in a few inches of it without the dog lunging at it or trying to sneak a taste. Erin, the other trainer, asked a woman if her daughter would walk by the dogs and pat them on the head. Everyone passed and we were glad we were done. It was so great to be with a group that got along so well, the dogs too, but it was definitely time to go home. I didn't realize it, but I weighed myself at home the morning I left, and again the morning after I returned and I lost 6 lbs. over the 2 weeks I was at NEADS! The trainers will call us in 2 weeks, Erin will be calling me, to ask how we're doing, how the dogs are doing and how things are working out. Also, they will be asking about the dogs' weight, amount of food we're giving them, any new commands or behaviors they've learned and/or any questions or concerns we may have. We then need to fill out a paper w/ similar questions and mail it in both in December and January......can't remember if it's February too........and graduation is in March. Then, in one year, we will be contacted by a trainer who will also contact other teams and have us meet them at a centrally located site. It will probably be a mall or similar location. We will then be required to take the practical test again and the our dogs along w/ us must pass the test again. This is all necessary for us to remain a certified assistance dog team. I'm sure people don't realize all that must be done to be a recognized assistance dog team.


I signed up, offering to speak about NEADS if/when asked as well as go with Alli to help out others who may be looking for sponsorship. They may be asked to speak to a group and if they don't have their dog yet and the group would like to see exactly what a service dog is able to do Alli and I can go and show and explain.

I definitely count myself as blessed at this time of Thanksgiving. WOW, what an experience!

I plan on continuing this blog and I hope others will join in on the conversations. I will include links as often as I am able to help get the word out about service dogs and all the freedom and sense of power they can provide their partner!