I suffer from full body chronic pain, tendinitis, migraines, and balance problems. I use a cane when I’m having a good day, and an electric wheelchair if I’m having a bad day. My challenges include gripping things, which causes me to drop a lot of things and balance problems, which cause me to fall or lose my balance when I lean over or bend down to pick up things that I have dropped. My migraines make my dizziness worse and the medicine I take to control them knocks me out completely. The chronic pain I suffer just makes me more likely to do everything else, be that fall over, drop things, or be unable to manipulate items because of the pain it causes me.
Because I use a cane and a wheelchair it was a production for me to open a door and walk through it and please don’t let me try to carry anything at the same time. If I was at a store that had a handicap button it was a little better, unless I was in my electric wheelchair that day. If that were the case then I had to find the button, press it, fight the crowd to the door, and get through it without rolling over anyone, all before the door closed. The same concept applies at home, getting through doors was a hassle. Additionally, my weak and painful grip meant I was dropping things all of the time. I tried to use things like a grab tool but the long pole wasn’t able to pick up some things or the tongs weren’t strong enough to carry the item from the floor to my hand.
When I came home and moved back in with my parents, I had lots of help doing everything that I needed. However, I didn’t want to stay in my parents’ house. I was looking for ways that I could move back out on my own and regain some of my independence without putting myself in danger. We did some research and talked to my doctor who agreed that a service dog might work for the services that I needed.
Once I decided to get a service dog, I started researching what agency to go through. I narrowed it down to Service Dogs, Inc. and another training service. I went to check out the other place and I wasn’t impressed with what I saw. The dogs were very well trained but they used electric shock collars in their training. The dogs didn’t look happy to be there or to be training.
Whereas when I went to Service Dogs, Inc., the dogs were very happy: tags wagging, enthusiastic and friendly. The trainers were also open and engaging. I knew that this was the right place for me. I admired the way that they give the dogs second chances and find them loving homes. They take the time to match each dog to the best handler to give each partnership the best chance of success. I chose Service Dogs, Inc. because I wanted to be a part of something that special.
The first time I met Rexie, she was very lovable. She was so eager to work and already trying to anticipate what I wanted her to do, and we weren’t even matched yet! On the car ride home, I totally predicted that I would get matched with her. I did, and I have never regretted it.
The staff and trainers at Service Dogs, Inc. have always been there if I had a question or concern. Even before I was matched and working with one particular trainer, I was familiar with everyone. They were just a phone call, email, or text away. They always tried their best to help me in any way they could. They cared about me after I matched with my dog as well. My in home trainer was just wonderful! All the random questions I had at all hours of the day and night were answered with no complaints. We worked together to come up with solutions to any problems I might have had and the trainers all collaborated to make sure that I succeeded with my partner.
Rexie, my beautiful Service dog does many things for me like opening and closing doors, low drawers, and cabinets. She fetches items from shelves that are too low for me to reach. Carrying groceries in for me is another thing that she does. When I am on the floor, I can brace myself on her and gently push myself back up. Rexie is able to pick up everything that I drop and can return my cane to my hand when it falls as well.
I am more independent now. Because I have Rexie to help me, my family is not so worried that I will fall because I’m trying to get something out of a cabinet or pick up something that dropped. It is also easier to do basic tasks in my house like laundry and cleaning because I have my partner to do part of the tasks for me. When we go out she can retrieve items for me and open doors. Those times that I have to get down she helps me back up.
People are more aware of me now that I have my dog. Meaning that they tend to give me a wider berth when I go out. That is a good thing because it means I don’t trip people with my cane while I’m walking and don’t roll over toes when I am riding. At the same time people are more willing to talk to me because they want to stop and ask me questions about my dog, which I’m usually happy to answer. Then there are those times that my dog is so well behaved that people literally don’t know that she’s there and they jump when they notice her.
I’m more willing to go places that I need to go to because I know I will have help. I don’t dread doing things anymore. I’m happy knowing that I have a partner that will happily help me anyway that I can imagine. I’m grateful to all the trainers for the time they took to train her and I enjoy spending time training even more behaviors that will help me.
Without your sponsorship nothing I am able to do today would be possible. My partner Rexie and I wouldn’t have been brought together and neither of us would be enjoying the quality life that we now have. Every day that I spend with my dog is another day that I am able to do more than I was able to do a year ago. Your donation is more than money to me, it is my freedom, my help, my friend and I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is not the end of the journey; it is a passing of the baton. I know that everyone at Service Dogs, Inc. is right there cheering us on, helping from the shadows and witnessing our triumph. I’m excited to grab the baton and run with it!
Sincerely yours,
Kelsey McCarter & Rexie
