Canines for Disabled Kids provides specially trained assistance dogs to children with a range of physical disabilites. These dogs help children become more independant at home and school. You can take a tour of the facility where you'll get a first hand look at how these wonderful animals are prepared for their role in the lives of people with disabilites. Volunteers and donations are always needed. To learn more, call (978)422-5299. You can also check out...
A year and a half ago I was just about to give up on training with my service dog, Munroe. After a week of living at National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS), in Princeton Massachusetts, I did not feel that Munroe was ready to graduate with the rest of his class. It wasn't because I was tired of the training drills and it wasn't because I didn't like my new golden retriever. What worried me the most was the amount of time and energy I would have to put into him in the years following. At only 15 years old I was scared of the responsibility of caring for this enormous and furry baby. I didn't think I could do it; I was about to turn in my leash and quit.
I went home that first weekend with my 18-month-old puppy, ready to give up. But being home made me remember how excited I was to finally get my service dog and how I had been so proud to tell my friends and family that I had been chosen to train with a service dog. I have always been an ambitious individual and I'm definitely not one to give up. I graduated with Munroe in the spring of 2003 and I soon realized that I would have no idea what I would do without him.
I know that I am very lucky to have a friend like Munroe. I am reminded of my luck every time Munroe picks up something that I have dropped, every time that he flips my light switch off when I am going to sleep and every time that I am at the mall and people smile at me and talk with me. I owe that to Munroe. He is with me every day and every night - whenever I need him he's there, whether I am at school or in my own home. Munroe and I have a symbiotic relationship; he helps me everyday and in turn I share my love with him. I groom him and feed him and play with him. He isn't only a physical accompaniment; he acts as my stress reliever. Who couldn't fall in love with that adorable face!? But as I sit here and look at him, sprawled across the floor, I know that my favorite thing about Munroe is that he is my best friend.
To learn more about CDK: www.caninesforkids.org
To learn more about Neurofibromatosis: www.nf.org
Hi 8-2-5 Members, my name is Pearl Jam Brush!
My Mama, Jackie adopted me almost two years
ago after her beloved Max went to doggy heaven.
Now, I help Mama and the Worcester Animal Rescue
League find homes for my fellow furballs,
so they can live in the lap of luxury too, like we deserve!
© 2008