This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog by Rhonda Clark, who has Cerebral Palsy.
Independence has always been a big deal and very important to me being the person that I am.
Art II opens doors for Rhonda, both literally and figuratively.
Until I was matched with my first service dog, Art II from Canine Companions for Independence, I really didn’t know how much more independent I had become. Since Art II (or “Handsome Man” as I often call him) came into my life, we have become a team. I don’t have to rely on two-legged humans as much when I need assistance with such things as picking up dropped items from the floor, turning on and off light switches, pushing elevator buttons, etc. Art is no ordinary dog. He knows 40 different commands. He was trained specifically to live with a person who has a disability.
Canine Companions for Independence is 501c3 non profit organization that was founded in 1975 to provide individuals with disabilities with assistance dogs. Canine Companions for Independence provides four types of assistance dogs. A facilities placement may be in settings such as classroom with special education students. Physical therapists and occupational therapists may use them when treating students in schools or residents in rehabilitation facilities. A skilled companion assistance dog assists children with disabilities and in some cases adults with disabilities under the supervision of a parent, spouse, or caregiver. A hearing assistance dog assists people who are deaf or hard of hearing and alerts them to many different sounds such as a doorbell, danger, etc. A service assistance dog (which is what Art II is) can assist with many physical activities of daily living. I remember, after I went through the two weeks of training in Orlando, FL, when Art first came to my home. I was making out bills when my phone rang, I jumped and my checkbook fell off the table onto the floor where I knew it couldn’t be accessed with my reacher. So I said to Art, “Art Get” and he picked up my checkbook and brought it to me. It was so cool! I live by myself, so if that would have happened before I got Art II, I would have had to wait until one of my neighbors came home from work.
Art II has opened so many doors for me. I mean that both literally and figuratively. There are people that actually stop and talk to me now when I’m in public instead of just staring or avoiding me all together.
The bi line that Canine Companions for Independence uses is Exceptional Dogs For Exceptional People. I believe that the volunteers, donors, trainers, are the exceptional people raising and training exceptional dogs! The dogs are provided to the recipients free of charge once the recipient completes the two week training course.
If you would like more information on Canine Companions for Independence go to: www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK (2275).
Do you or someone you know have a service dog? How do they help you and provide companionship throughout the day?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Rhonda is role model for all of us who want to make the most out of life.
Rhonda, you have so much determination and you are such an encouragement.
Wonderful information, Rhonda! Glad to know that Art is providing such a service. I know you love him, and he loves you.