July is Disability Pride Month. Will you celebrate?

       July is Disability Pride Month. The month of July is Disability  Pride Month due to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being on July 26, 1990. This year the ADA will only be 36 years old. Not many people are aware that July is meant to celebrate the anniversary of the ADA and people with disabilities. Disability Pride Month was first recognized in 2015, and we have a lot to celebrate because we worked very hard to get where we are today with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

       People with disabilities come together to fight for what we need in order to lead full and productive lives. This is why we celebrate Disability Pride Month! Other minorities used to join in our fight for rights as well. During the 26 day Section 504 Sit-in, the Black Panther Party played a vital role; they delivered hot meals and vital medications to the disabled advocates. The participation of the Black Panther Party was the reason that the sit-in lasted as long as it did, due to the power and water in the building being turned off. The oppressed minorities created a human chain. 

       There are no more human chains to be formed. People with disabilities are no longer acknowledged by other oppressed minorities. We are not seen, we are not heard, we are not listened to. We are being mocked by our president, and the rights that we have fought so hard for are being stripped away. We are moving backwards. And the worst part is, that no one knows. Anybody who does not have a disability or does not know someone with a disability is not aware of how far backwards we are slipping. However, this is news that concerns everyone, because…  The minority of people with disabilities is the largest minority and the only minority that anyone can become a part of at any time of their life, and if you live long enough, you will become a part of the disability minority.

       Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was signed into law in the year of 1973. The law protected people with disabilities from "being excluded from participation, being denied benefits of, or being subjected to discrimination [based upon their disability] under any activity or program receiving federal funding (Cone, n.d.). However guidelines for the law were not enforced. Between 1973 and 1977 the disability community filed a federal lawsuit to enforce accessibility regulations; the judge saying that needs regulations must be issued, but not when they must be issued. This development ignited people with disabilities to take action in order for the regulations to 504 to be signed. On April 5, 1977, over  100 disability rights activists sat in the San Francisco federal Health Education Welfare (HEW) building for 26 straight days. The 504 Sit-in is an example of how the disability community can band together and fight for what we need. The sit-in not only resulted in the first civil rights law for people with disabilities, but also mandated physical accessibility in all federal funded programs, schools, and workplaces. The law also paved the way for the ADA!

       Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was the first time that exclusion and segregation of people with disabilities was recognized as discrimination.  However, Section 504 did not enforce accessibility to programs that were not receiving federal funding, therefore denying access to many organizations. This prompted the National Council on Disability (NCD) to release a report in February 1986 that addressed recommendations for federal laws and programs that affect people with disabilities. This report resulted in the first draft of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In April of 1988 the first draft of the ADA was signed into legislation by Senator Lowell Weicker of Connecticut and Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa. This federal recognition put disability activists and the NCD into action. The president of the National Council on Disability, Justin Dart, traveled to all fifty states. As he traveled, he united people with disabilities as well as documented the discrimination and inaccessibility faced in their daily lives. This documentation was published as the "discrimination diaries." Leaders of organizations such as the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF),  Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and Epilepsy Foundation came together to form a team of people with disabilities to support passage of the ADA. However, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act came to a stall.  In March of 1990, over 1,000 activists gathered in Washington D.C. to protest. Many disabled advocates left their mobility aides at the bottom of the capitol steps to crawl up them, which is known as the "Capitol Crawl." The "Capitol Crawl" was to bring awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. This protest opened the eyes of congress. On July 26, 1990 George HW Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law!

       After the passage of the ADA, the Titles to the law had to be implemented, and made effective. This occurred between the years of 1991 and 1994.  Title I of the ADA prohibits all employers who have 15 or more employees from discrimination against qualified people with disabilities in all aspects of employment. Aspects of employment include recruitment, hiring, training, bonuses, promotions, pay, and benefits. Both Title II and III require equal access for people with disabilities. However, Title II covers state and local governments, while Title III applies to private agencies. Title IV of the ADA requires that telephone services nationwide have telecommunication relay services, which allow those who are D/deaf as well as those who have speech impairments to communicate over the phone. Title IV also requires closed captions on the TV. 

       These laws are tumbling down. Decades of work for disability rights activists and advocates are being withdrawn. Businesses are not going to need to be ADA compliant, and people with disabilities are not going to be able to live in their communities. So, this Disability Pride Month we must celebrate how people with disabilities fought for our rights from the ground up. I ask you to join us in celebration and the next battle to come. 

A Letter To My Service Dog

Dear Cleo,

       Now that I have you, I can not imagine life without you. I searched far and wide for you, for a very long time. I knew I wanted a service dog, but in no way did I expect you.  My love. My girly girl. My dear, sweet, stubborn, "miniature” Labrador Retriever. This letter is for you, and how you changed my life. 

       Five years before you were born, I started my search for a service dog. I emailed, and applied to almost every service dog organization on the North American continent. You won’t believe what they told me! "You can’t be blind and use a wheelchair". Well, obviously you can, because I am! One of them told me "We can’t place a service dog with you because it might be falsely construed as a guide dog". I couldn't understand what was so wrong about training a dog to meet my needs. I mean, really?! You can definitely see how God put you in my life with what happens next. 

       I had found this organization that I hadn’t looked into yet, and I asked Nana to print out their application while she was at work that day. She didn’t come home with the right application. She came home with the application from Canine Partners for Life (CPL), where you were born. It is divine work because after not hearing from them, I threw the application in the trash. Nearly three months later I received an email saying if I applied they would train a dog to meet my needs. I applied within a week, and got put on the active waiting list! I waited for yo for two years!

       While I was at school one day, I received an email. The email said something along the lines of, "do you still need help with transfers? We have a dog for you, but she’s not big enough to help you with transfers." I didn’t reallly need help with transfers anyways, so that could wait, because I wanted you! On the way home from school I called the whole wide world to tell them I was matched with you! I could not contain my excitement! In order to take you home, though, I had to spend three grueling weeks in Pennsylvania to train with you. 

       Those three weeks were hard, and at first I had no clue how to handle you. It was three weeks of training me how to work with and train you, while also learning the laws. You know all this though. You were there. What was your first impression of me? Did you think that you were just getting passed around to someone else, or did you know that you were coming home? Did you love me, quiet voice and all? One of my fears is that I would be too quiet for you to hear my commands, but look where we are now. I guess you loved me from the beginning, too. I remember the first night that you came home with me. I undressed you and you ran all over the hotel room, sniffing every inch with your "big" nose. Then came bed time when you jumped on the bed, attacking me with kisses and I was the happiest Valerie in the world, smiling ear to ear and laughing. That night you found your spot right next to me on the bed, and I wonder why we bought a dog bed because we didn’t really need one! When it was time to go home to California, we just ended up donating the bed to the CPL kennel. 

       Then we had to brave the airport, and the plane. What I remember about the way home is the flight attendant telling me, "I can tell that she’s a real service dog, because she hasn’t moved the entire flight." We were a newbie team, but you were still the real deal! Here’s the part where you changed my life. There are some moments. Some instances. Some memories, that I would like to share. 

       Remember our first Christmas? I wanted that picture with Santa so bad! It was Eve of Christmas Eve when I finally got it. Santa… he seemed a little taken aback that he was taking a picture with a dog. I digress. Santa was not the point. 

       Along with Santa, the whole Crisci family came to Christmas. In prior Christmases with the entire family, I would get fatigued and my pain would get out of control. I would stop participating, and then get upset that everyone didn’t stop with me. Cleo, Christmas of 2016,  I did not stop! You told me when I was in pain.  You told me when I needed to slow down. I had fun! I bonded with my family! I had you! All of those past christmases, I needed you. That Christmas was one of the most fun Christmases I’ve had in a long time!

       The celebration of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. You’ve learned that in church, haven’t you? I hope you have, or else you took communion for nothing. You embarrassed me because it wasn’t very “Service Dog” of you. I remember that Great Nana took my juice and cracker like always. She set the juice down in the cup holder and then you reached your little lizard tongue up to have a drink. On a separate occasion, as I was trying to put the cracker in my mouth it fell to the floor.  “Leave it” was never your strong suit, so you grabbed it off the floor as soon as you got the chance. But boy do I digress, you funny funny dog. 

       For a long while, the whole family went to church. But as time went on, Nana and Papa stopped going and stopped taking me. Then you came!I started waking up at the crack of dawn to catch the paratransit bus to church. For a while, I didn’t really realize that why I felt comfortable doing this was because of you. I knew that you were there to tell me if I was in pain, to pick up something I dropped, and to lead me to the place I needed to go. The MTS bus had always been an option, but it had never been a safe and comfortable option until you!

       You bring me so much joy! Along with you, though, came this whole new family. It started by making friends with the other teams in our class, then it… just, kind of, happened. There’s this group on Facebook of CPL graduates. Did you know that?! Now, I have my best friend, Nicole, and your long distance boyfriend, Cole in Pennsylvania. Remember when they came to visit us all the way here in California? That was a long flight for them!

       So, I have my "family" on the east coast, but it started getting boring for us here in California. You need to play. You need to train. I need fellow service dog parents. So, as I’m sure you already know, I started a Facebook group to find our local "family". I found them! Now, we go on monthly training meet ups, and have play dates. I hope you enjoy them! You always seem to have a smile after. Our meet ups have also been in some far out places and you help be there independently. 

       So, Cleo. My love.  My girly girl. My dear, sweet, stubborn, little Labrador Retriever. You have brought me so much joy! God definitely brought you into my life. You have brought me so much independence! You have brought me so many new friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. You are quite vocal, but I understand. If I was as smart as you I’d want to speak my mind, too. You learn new tasks like it’s nothing. I’m pretty sure you are as intelligent as a four-year-old human. With your smarts and help we will sail through any and all rough patches. When you learn how read, let his letter be the first literature you set your eyes on. 

I love you to heaven and back!

Your Mommy,

Valerie Crisci

More Than a Caregiver

Yesterday, I told my friend, "I think I've moved to acceptance in the stages of grieving."  She seemed baffled, like grieving is only for those who have died, but it's not.  You can grieve over the loss of a loved one, the loss of an ability, separation from a friend... or in this case, a friend moving away. 

I needed a new caregiver; that's all I was expecting.  That day, a girl from Santee, only one year older than me, came walking through the front door.  She showed up before the one she was supposed to shadow.  She walked through, seeing what my routine was, with what seemed like no fear.  I like that willingness to try everything and see what happens.  Barbie Johnson says she faked it until she made it.  She did a damn well good job.  How was I supposed to know we would blossom into sisters?

The routine starts with a shower.  Barbie transfers me onto the shower chair and slides me into the shower.  Then, with Barbie sitting on the toilet seat (fully clothed), we would talk about anything and everything.  I told my whole life's story during those conversations - and it's a long story.  That blossoming occurred in less than a year.  Now I'm grieving because she is leaving for five months. 

 I rely and put my whole life on her.  But it's time she lives her own life for a while.  We will text and communicate, at least every other day!  She will be back!   She has to, because we're sisters now!

I Know This Puzzle

I know this body.  It has been mine for soon-to-be 19 years now.  This body has not functioned properly for almost my whole life.  I understand that it hides the problems happening, but that does not mean that something wrong is not going on.  That does not mean that I do not know what's happening.  I am not crazy and I am not a hypochondriac.
       When I say my body likes to hide what's going on, I am not kidding.  Let me tell you a story that explains what I mean to a tee.
       I have had two back surgeries.  A spinal fusion, and a revision to that spinal fusion.  A spinal fusion is a procedure where the surgeon uses titanium rods, screws, and bone grafts to correct severe scoliosis.  A revision surgery is when they have to go back in to correct a previous surgery.  My spine is fused from T-3 all the way down to my pelvis.  While fusing my spine they discovered a broken vertebrae that had not shown up on any preoperative X-rays; it was hiding.  After my recovery I started experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain in my hip every time I took a step.  I was also experiencing a dull pain whenever pressure was placed on my back, like washing my back while showering.  We did multiple X-rays which didn't show anything.  The pain was not fading or going away, so we did a CT scan which didn't show anything either.  Finally, my surgeon decided to perform a revision surgery.  He didn't know what the cause of the pain was or what he was looking for; he went in blind.  What he found shocked him.  The screw in my hip was completely stripped from its place, I had two large abscesses, and another broken vertebrae.  My body was hiding it all from the X-rays and CT scans, but I knew something was wrong.  I knew it was more than just pain, and, my surgeon listened to me.
       I've been called crazy too.  I went to a pulmonalogist for trouble breathing and she told me to go see a psychiatrist.  Turns out I have 37% lung function and restrictive lung disease.  I know my body!
       My body hides its problems, but I am not crazy or a hypochondriac.  I know my body better than most.  Believe me when I tell you something is wrong!  Believe me when I tell you that it's more than what you think!  My body is a puzzle, but I know this puzzle as it physically makes up me.

(Images used from google are not owned by me)

Find Your Inner Strength!

A week or so ago I sent my friend a picture of neurons on my nails.  This friend of mine, one of my best friends has epilepsy.  Her seizures are not well controlled and, at this time, she is helping me go through seizures of my own.  I put brain neurons on my fingernails to help me deal with anxiously awaiting the results of an ambulatory EEG.  Every symptom I am having, though, points to seizures.  My best friend's symptoms and mine match perfectly; we understand each other in an amazing way.
       After complementing me on my nails, she told me that my nails are an excellent example of why people call me strong.  She said, "Instead of always thinking of how seizures stop you from doing everything you want to do (not that it should)- you celebrate who you are, physical querks and all."  Saying that not everyone has that kind of inner strength and by having neurons painted on my nails, I am embracing who I am.  It seemed so trivial to me.  I mean, it's only nail art, right?  Wrong!
       I am exhausted, and scared, but apparently I do well at not showIng it.  I am told I live with a reason to smile, and I'm glad because I try my very best to do just that!  Everyday my service dog, Cleo, makes me smile, my cat showing his little attitude off makes me smile, my nail art makes me smile, and my best friend, Nicole, makes me smile!  Nicole said, "You still live with purpose. And that shows AMAZING inner strength.  You have drive to be a part of society.
There's a difference between acting on our fears and exhaustion.  Though you feel those things, you get out of bed and face the day."
       The lesson here is... figure out how to deal with the toughest of things.  Find something to smile about each day.  Something as simple as your animals or as big as achieving the greatest goal.  It is okay to not feel good, it is okay to be dained of energy, it is okay to be having a hard time, just try... and smile!  Find your inner strength!

What I Hear

Yes, there are good days and bad days.  Yes, some days I have more spoons than others.  To be brutally honest, though, everyday I feel like shit; it's just some days I feel like more shit.
       "Fake it till you make it."  That quote means a lot more to people who have chronic illnesses.  We feel like shit all the time, so faking is an art.  Trying our hardest to act like everyday is a good day.  Sometimes it's just not posible to fake; the day is too much of a bad day.  Our bodies feel too much like the life has been drained out of us.  So, please, don't mind me if I can't "fake it".
       "You look so good", is also a saying I hear too much.  The life tends to be drained out of me, I am always in pain, and more times than not, I can't breathe.  It is said with kindness, sincerity, and good intentions; I know.  I may look good on the outside, but it's usually not how I feel.
       "You aren't even trying", is something I heard from a friend in a class.  I started failing my class and kept asking my friends to help me pull through.  She said to me, "We are busy people and aren't able to drop everything to come tutor you. I'm not willing to help if you aren't even trying to complete the work. I get your sick, but it doesn't look like you want to pass."  I wanted to pass!  I am always doing my best and a lot of the time I am trying harder than my best.  I am sick so, the energy to physically complete the work or even have the energy to think, isn't always there.  I always want to do my best!  I always try harder than my hardest, and she did NOT understand!  Let's just say, I passed The Spoon Theory on for her to read and no longer consider her a friend.
       The comments I hear as someone with a chronic illness are hard pills to swallow.  I am not understood until you get to know me.  My story is a long one but in time, as trust is earned, you will hear it.  Ignorant sayings are a piece of the story.

I was Alive for Christmas Day!

I lived! You don't know what I mean? This Christmas Day, I lived; I was alive! It doesn't matter if I didn't feel good because I participated, I talked, I laughed, I had fun. 

       Ever since the chronic illness set into my disability I have had next to no energy. Ever since chronic pain and the need for oxygen entered the picture, it's hard to even want to participate. With all this said, you can imagine that Christmas was not my best day of the year. Too many people and too much noise. Too long of a day at my Nana's with so many chances for my body to give out on me. Yesterday, though, I laughed and enjoyed my family. You know why? I knew when to take a pill, when to put my oxygen on, and when to relax through a medical episode. You know who told me? My dog!

       Every time she knew before I did (which was EVERY time) she sat and stared, and then if I didn't take charge she stared at a family member. With Cleo keeping me in check, my mood stayed brighter and I stayed engaged!

       As I write this, I am crying because this 53 pound, golden, Labrador Retriever kept me going for almost twelve hours, when I usually would've broken down. This dog, whom I've wanted for years and years, has helped me in ways I've never dreamed of. I love her, I love her unconditionally, because I was ALIVE for Christmas Day!

Refrain From Petting With Your Voice!

Cleo and I are newbies in the service dog community.  We have only been together for about four months, and for this we are still growing and learning about each other.  Nothing will ever be "perfect", though.  So, I am sorry to the people she sniffs, the backpacks she sticks her head into, and the accidents that may occur!  Again, we are still growing in our partnership.
       I understand that when she is doing these things it is hard to ignore her.  I also understand that it is hard to ignore a dog, in general.  But, I have friends who's dog alerts to oncoming seizures and cardiac issues.  Cleo alerts me to low oxygen levels, pain, my surroundings, and much more.  Our dogs are supposed to be paying attention to their handlers so they can alert and we can treat.  In a lot of cases it's a life or death situation.
       My last blog post I wrote about reading "The Big Bold Sign".  In this post I am focusing on "petting with your mouth".  Every time you talk to my service dog in that high pitched, cutesy voice that You save for cute furry animals, you are distracting her from her work an d possibly causing her to miss an alert.  If a dog could possibly a seizure or cardiac alert dog distracting is a big no-no.  Any type of service dog, wether it be a mobility dog, alert dog, or guide dog, please refrain from petting with your voice.
Thank you in advanced!

The Big, Bold Sign!

Bi"DO NOT PET" is what it says in all capital, bold letters on Cleo's vest.  To be frank, I am upset with the people who do not read the sign.  However, I realize that people just don't understand why they are not allowed to pet her.  I would like to enlighten everybody and answer any and all questions.  If by the end of this post you still have questions, feel free to ask in the comments.

       My partnership is a new one, yet I always knew the key rule: NO PETTING OR DISTRACTING IN ANY WAY.  Once I received Cleo I finally realized how often the key rule is not followed.  You are seeing a sweet and pretty dog that you just want to love on, but you can't.  You can't pet her because although she is a dog, her primary focus is always on helping me.  The fact that she is a dog means that you also can also distract her by petting with your voice.  You know, that high pitched, cutesy voice that is saved for the sweetest animals in the world; that is as distracting as petting.
       All service dog organizations are different, but CPL does not allow anyone but to pet, speak, or make eye contact with the dog, besides the handler, for the first six months of a partnership.  The reasoning behind this is so the dog knows all the ins and outs of their partner.  Our dogs can open doors , help take off jackets and other clothing, turn lights on/off, retrieve phones in an emergency situation, and so much more.  Our dogs can also alert to oxygen levels, diabetes, cardiac conditions, seizures, and so many other health conditions.  By distracting Cleo or any other service dog, you could possibly be distr acting them from catching a medical episode or from an important task.m some of the dogs are trained to help people with balance issues.  When the dog is on a stand/stay they could be dangerous for the person leaning on the dog for support.
       So, please read the sign. 

Lazy Day/Busy Day

We didn't leave the house today, but we were productive.
       Out to potty, breakfast, and then a little rest is how the day starts.  Cleo got treated like crazy today because she was so great!  We started out with our daily obedience and then worked on some skills.  We worked on bag carries and retrieval.  We also worked on her pushing my foot back onto my foot plate.  We reached great strides with that one.  Food refusal went well; she definitely knows what "leave it" means wether she chooses to listen or not.
       I am so grateful to have her.  I love her to death!  Although today was a lazy day we were busy. 

Still Figuring Things Out

Yeah, so, disgusting realization today: Cleo eats from the cats litter box!  How do I stop this?  I felt like it was going to happen.  We can't close the door to that room because what if Felix, our cat, needs his litter box.  I have been trying to enforce "leave it" and treat when the command is listened to.  I almost want to pour hydrogen peroxide down her throat!  That can't be good!
       We went to an SSI appointment today.  We were running because I was almost late to my appointment.  She kept great pace with me.  When we got home we worked on some daily obedience and service skills.
       At about two o'clock in the afternoon the mailman came and Cleo barked loud enough to spook everyone in the house.  A strong "knock it off" and a little bit of playtime took care of that.  I have to figure out how to occupy her when I don't feel up to playing.  Thinking of stuffing a large Kong and stuffing it with frozen food.
       Well, probably going to brush Cleo's teeth tonight.  Trimmed her nails last night.  Definitely still figuring things out!

First Day

I am back at 40,000 feet in the air, but this time with Cleo by my side.
     Today started last night when my Aunt drove us to the airport at seven o'clock in the evening to ensure our timely arrival.  We ended up going straight to the hotel after graduation to pack up and leave.  Cleo did not know what the heck was going on, but with her mom by her side she went along for the ride.  It ended up working out quite well.  Everything went as planned… except for the car camping.
       Waking up at five in the morning hit me hard as I still need to catch up on a months worth of sleep.  As we were walking into the airport there was a man sleeping on a bench with a white blanket.  For some reason Cleo decided to bark at that person.  I love that she wants to protect mommy but let's keep it less vocal.  I corrected her with a "knock it off" and then rewarded quiet behavior.  The rest of the airport seemed to be a quiet one.
       When we passed through TSA there was a little argument about sending Cleo through the scanner.  I am not at the point of feeling comfortable enough to lett her prance around the airport naked.  I held my ground and we both got a pat down.
       Hopefully Cleo likes her new home and feline brother.  I hope she's not too mad at me about no breakfast, either.  No one wants any accidents!

Graduation Speech

For about five years I searched and searched for a service dog organization that would help me.  You see, the thing that every other organization had a problem with is that I'm visually impaired and have a phisical disability.  I literally emailed and called and applied to every single organization that was ADI certified.  One organization actually said, "You can't be blind and physically disabled."  Well, obviously you can be because I am.  No one wanted to take the challenge… and then I found CPL!
      In November of 2014 I came all the way from San Diego, California for my interview.  I worked with a few dogs and got asked the questions.  What did I want in a dog?  Calm, always looking out for me, and cuddly - those are the words to describe Cleo!
       When I got home from the interview my health took a plummeting down fall off a cliff.  At least that's what it felt like to me.  My parents are worried to leave me home a lone for too long, now.  Cleo will certainly change that by making me and my parents feel more comfortable ble being alone.  I will be safe with her by my side!  I will also be going to college in the fall and she will be able to look out for me and alert to my low oxygen or pain.  Alerting is an added bonus that she caught on to!
       I missed my high school graduation, grad night, and prom for this but Cleo is well worth it!

Finally Certified

It's over and done with!  I am a certified service dog owner with Cleo as my partner.  I am both excited and terrified.
       I know that Cleo will change my life dramatically, but on Monday I am flying home with a dog.  I want to be home so badly that I'm not sure I will make it to Monday.  Home will never be the same, though, but the difference is a wonderful factor.  I want to go home and bring Cleo with me!
       During this experience of team training I have been in awe, I have met the kindest people, and I have been through some terrifying things and crazy meltdowns.  In the end, it was all worth it.  I will never forget this!

Last Resort

I've had Cleo for a little over a week and we are doing progressing tremendously.  Everyday we bond more and more.  She is learning what I need help with and is happy to work… even without her vest on.  I love her and she loves me.  I never dreamed of how much a service dog could do for me!

       I can not thank CPL enough!  I searched far and wide (the whole North American continent) for an organization that was right for me.  About six years of off and on searching.  I looked through Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and emailed/applied to all of them.  They would say, "You can't be blind and physically disabled."  Well, I beg to differ!

       CPL was my last resort and, boy, I saved the best for last.  At first I was a little put off by what seemed like hrigorous follow up, but, I figured I better try my last resort. 

First Fur Baby

I stole mom's iPad so I could let you all know how I'm doing.  Trying to bond with her, I'm sure seemed fairly quick and easy to her, but was a little difficult.  I miss Meg, my trainer.  I !ove my mom to death now, though!

       I guess I wake her up too early in the morning.  My potty schedule is the same as at CPL.  I don't know why they are trying to brake me of it. 

       They put a heavier buckle on my cape and I don't really like it.  I put up with her putting it on me though because it makes her happy to be able to take care of me on her own.  We went to play time today and ran around with my sister and friends.  I had so much fun!  Mom remembered to potty me before we went into Red Robin.  She gets excited over little, weird things like that.  I'm her first fur baby.  She's doing a pretty great job.  In return I help her out. 

       Getting ready to start a new adventure with my mom!

What a Zoo

I feel like I just walked around the whole zoo, like litterally WALKED!  I am exhausted beyond belief.  There are no words to describe this.  Going, going, going is not my norm.  

       We went to the zoo today.  We practiced "go pay", "touch", "get the door", retrieval a, and bag carries.  Cleo did great… except for bag carries.  None of the dogs like that task.  Of course, a few dogs had to say, "I don't work on Fridays."   All in all, everything went fine. 

       I forgot to mention that on Tuesday at Longwood Gardens I met a graduate that taught her dog to move her legs into an ankle cross on her power chair.  Isn't that amazing?!

       A week from now I will be certified with Cleo as my service dog through CPL.  Super excited to pass that test!  More to come…

Armed and Ready to Help

I am in awe of this organization everyday!  I thank God that I fell upon them within my search for an organization that would be willing to help.  They find the best way that they can help, and in return I abide by their terms to take care of their pup.  Cleo will always remember them, I am sure, but they are sure worth remembering.

       On the second day of class I had received all of Cleo's clothing.  Upon putting the vest on I learned that getting Cleo dressed would not be a task that I would be performing on my own.  The clip was just to hard of a pinch for my hands to manipulate, so I was asked, "How could we make this work for you?" I said "What about a seatbelt buckle."   A week and a half later Cleo has a seatbelt buckle on her vest and I got her undressed all on my own.  Thank you CPL for helping to make everything work out!  It is greatly appreciated. 

       Today we learned about the Assistant Dogs International (ADI) certification test.  CPL adds their own perrameters to the test.  The test is a simple trip to Walmart.  They watch how you and your partner work and what service skills your partner performs. 

       CPL also has a rigorous follow up program.  They truly care about you and your pup!  They want to make sure you guys are taking care of each other and go far.  Honestly, the six month report isn't that rigorous; it takes ten minutes.  Your first six months is filled with regular calls.  CPL is armed and ready to help!

Quick Write!

I was lucky to find CPL through Assistance Dogs International.  CPL amazes me!  I love the training to meet specific needs, all the information received during Team Training, and so on.
       I have had Cleo for about five days.  We are getting along together great.  Bonding a nd learning more and more each day. 

A Little Home Sick

The days our starting to get long.  Honestly, I want to go home, and mostly I want to bring Cleo home.  I'm having fun but, I'm far from home.  I know this is one of the best opportunities, though, so I definitely do not regret making this decision!  This will be one of the best things for me. 

       Today, we went to a beautiful garden that was hard to pay attention to for the sake of our partner.  We told our dogs to "touch" the accessible door button.  Then we did a "go pay".  Cleo and I got a little hung up on the "go pay".  We had to be guided through steps of relearning retrieval because Cleo had decided that she wasn't up for working on Tuesdays.  There was one part of the day where I had to assert my dominance by dragging her tired body behind me for a few feet.  I am still her mom though, and as far as I can tell we love each other dearly.  Just had to show a little tough love. 

       I often wonder what I would want to do if I had a day without my disability.  One thing I would want is to jump in the shower and I'm not so sure Cleo could help me with that.  Another solo ability I would want is to walk somewhere on my own; Cleo could help me with that.  So many possibilities…

       More to come!