Assistance Dogs Change Lives

About once a month the local chapter of the SPCA shelter sets up a table outside my neighborhood supermarket. Kids get to pet the animals, grown ups get to donate without having to talk to a telemarketer, and the SPCA raises awareness of their programs.

Sometimes adoptions even happen! The puppies and kittens are cute, but the biggest hit is always when someone stops by with an Assistance Dog in training. Often labradors or golden retrievers, these sweet helpers are instantly identifiable by their blue vests or neckerchiefs. They are always surrounded by fans, the rock stars of the animal world.

Unlike human rock stars, Assistance Dogs stay humble, sweet and unconditionally loving, which is why we adore them. They truly are the best friends humans can have. Until recently, I lumped them all together. But I learned that there are three main categories of Assistance Dogs:

Guide Dogs who help the blind and visually impaired navigate travels through the world, crossing streets and avoiding obstacles; Hearing Dogs who alert their human partners to alarms, doorbells and other sounds with physical contact; and Service Dogs which is the category for all of the other amazing dogs who help people in wheelchairs, alert them to low blood sugar or an impending seizure, and do things like turn on lights and retrieve fallen items for people with limited mobility.

There are several admirable organizations that work with Assistance Dogs. Loving Paws is one notable group that places trained dogs specifically with children who have physical disabilities. Their mission is "enhancing their quality of life and increasing their opportunities for independent living, personal growth, education, and future employment." It was through their site that I "met" Corinne and her Service Dog, Rosie. On Rosie's Homepage

Corinne shares the story of how Rosie helped her transition from living at home, to living independently and meeting new people. Her success today is, in part, thanks to the support and assistance she received from Rosie, her very special Service Dog with whom she grew up. In 1994 Corinne was in San Francisco, receiving treatment for a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed. She was on the waiting list with several organizations that provide Service Dogs, but then as now, the demand for trained dogs is much higher than what is available. Corinne was looking at a three year wait. As Corinne says, she was in the right place at the right time and met Linda Jennings, who in turn introduced Corinne to Rosie, a young black and white border collie mix, trained by Loving Paws. It was a perfect match. In just a few months after meeting Linda, Corine and her mom graduated from a clinic which taught them how to work with Rosie. She returned to school with her new partner and constant companion. At Corinne's side, Rosie was the first dog to graduate from Whitefish High School and then attended the University of Montana.

She was even a tour guide with Corinne! In 2005 Corinne continued to live her life independently, enjoying the milestones of buying her own house and studying for her Masters in teaching. Rosie was starting to feel her years and, after almost 12 years together, they were looking at Rosie's retirement and a new Service Dog for Corinne. That's where the story ends on Rosie's site. Curious to know how Rosie's retirement was going, I sent Corinne an email. She was gracious enough to respond, sharing the happy news that Rosie, who will be 15 this week, is enjoying her well earned retirement. Corinne has a new partner, Sable, a 70 lb. black lab, who was a big hit with the class during her student teaching.

While Sable is very different from Rosie, the benefit to Corinne is similar. With Sable at her side, Corinne continues to lead a full and self-sufficient life. Most organizations provide Assistance Dogs to people who need them at little or no cost to the individuals and can use any help you can give them. Loving Paws, the group that trained Rosie has a wish list on their site that ranges from copy paper to citronella collars. And nothing says "I love your work" like financial support! If you'd like more information about Assistance Dogs, check out Assistance Dogs International, Inc., a coalition of not for profit organizations that train and place Assistance Dogs. Thanks to Corinne for sharing her story and Happy Birthday to Rosie! Photo courtesy of Cat Lincoln.