Fernando, My Hero Dog

May 22, 2013

My Hero Dogs

I have a hero dog, actually two. I have had the phenomenal fortune of having two in my life.  In a previous blog, I talked about Odin and his awesomeness.  He is not just a dog, but a multi-faceted being that has touched almost every soul he has met.  Odin also assisted me in a physical way as well as the emotionally way he has helped everyone else.  At the young age of 10 years, he enjoys his retirement from the physicalities of service however he still feels it is his job to help anyone who is not in a balanced state of mind. :)

At the moment, I have both of my hero dogs in my life, at the same time.  Fernando is my second hero dog.  He has been part of our family and my life for 6 months. Fernando is learning to tap into the mental side of our family and continues to support my physical deficiencies.  Single handedly (or pawedly), he caused my confidence to soar to new heights, helped me educate the public about assistance dogs and continues to be a valuable part of my family.

I know I have already written an entire blog about how my confidence has gone from squashed under a shoe to flying above a hot-air balloon.  Also, I cannot say enough about it.  As a person with disabilities, I have come to know that society feels largely intimidated by the unknown.  People would walk past me with downcast eyes or walk in a different direction, just to avoid any contact with me.  (Exceptions to every rule: there are also those who want to help you or see what they can do to make your experience better).  With Fernando, people see the dog not my disability.  Fernando causes the curiosity in people to override any intimidation they may feel talking with a disabled person.  Most find out that I am just like them and the only difference is physical.  Having people speak with me on a level basis, while discussing my assistance dog, truly throws my psyche in a positive direction.  Of course, when Fernando is there to pick up my dropped car keys, open doors, and pull my wheelchair; my stress level dramatically drops out in public and my confidence rises.  When people catch Fernando carrying a bag out of the store for me, he brings a smile to everyone who sees him.  This action makes me grin knowing that we just made someone's day a little bit better.

Being part of an assistance dog team means educating the public.  Stereotypically, seeing-eye dogs are the most well known of assistance dogs (an umbrella term for all those working dogs out there).  Most people mistake Fernando for a guide dog.  He is a service dog.  As an assistance dog, he joins the ranks of hearing dogs, medical alert dogs, law enforcement dogs, search and rescue, therapy dogs, and military working dogs.  Fernando will patiently demonstrate, to those interested or to those ignorant to assistance animals, what he does to help me out as a service dog.  To those who just want to say "Hi" to the dog in the store, he will freely give out high fives to everyone.  He and I have given full presentations to groups and have also spent 5-10 minutes with curious individuals who are curious about Canine Companions for Independence  and service dogs.  Fernando's patience with the public (and me) is invaluable when explaining his service dog "tricks."

Fernando is part of our family.  Over the last six months he has learned each member's personality and how to comfort each of us.  Odin's seniority and sensitivity holds a special place in teaching Fernando what we are all about.  Having both dogs around when you are feeling off kilter is like having a full therapy session without having to chat about anything!  I cannot imagine our family without the extra help that Fernando provides.

My youngest hero dog is Fernando.  I will never be able to put in words how he supports me both mentally and physically.  What I have just written is only a glimpse into our life.  Around the world there are thousands of hero dogs.  Think about all the military, search and rescue, law enforcement, service, guide, hearing and therapy canines out there; they only account for portion of our hero dogs.  Remember to include our pets that have awoken us in the event of a fire, a dog that pushed a child out of the way a speeding car, or a pet that greets at the door after a long hectic day.  Every animal is a hero in their own rite.  Fernando and Odin are my hero dogs. Both selflessly give themselves to everyone who needs them, including those outside our family circle.  :o)

Go to the Hero Dog Awards website (http://www.herodogawards.org/vote) and read the inspirational stories of the nominated canines.  If you choose, you can vote in each category, once a day until July 2013. Fernando has been nominated under the service dog category, if he becomes a finalist, Canine Companions for Independence will receive a generous donation. :o)

Why Hello Confidence, you came back!

12.12.12

Confidence.  We all have some.  We are born with it.  What we do with it, is our own choice.  No one can take confidence away from us.  Although, we can let people's interactions affect how confident we feel.  We own our confidence, ere go, we can choose to ignore toxic people's put downs, remarks, or actions; and let our confident soar!  But, we are our own worst enemy.  When our own action, choice, or something we have complete control over, goes haywire...  Confidence cannot run away quick enough.

Since my autoimmune disease has affected my legs, causing them not to work the way I need them to, balance is quite a challenge for me.  Those of you who know me well, can say that I don't need any help to trip over nothing.  I also have a tendency to drop things, a lot.  Lack of balance + trying to pick something off the floor = falling down.  This falling down thing generally occurs once a week, if not more often.  In the past, I have taken diggers out in public.  Bu-bye confidence as well as my pride.  Over the past few years, I have stayed home unless I was able to bring someone with me.

Enter Fernando, who has walked into my life carrying with him, my new found confidence!  Having him with me, Ferno is able to pick up everything I drop.  Needless to say, I have not had to contort myself and stress about falling.  I have been out of my house accompanied only by my service dog a handful of times and have not fallen.  In my house, with Fernando carrying things and picking up dropped objects, me kissing the floor has drastically reduced as well!  That makes me wonder if my floor misses me at all?!  Lol.

Having a service dog in my life has already changed for the better.  Even a command as small as as "get", has made a profound impact on my confidence.  My disease had been slowly chipping away at my own confidence, and here is Fernando bringing it back in boulders!

When people ask me what Fernando can do for me, I want to profess that he is here to improve my quality of life, my confidence, and my character.  Most want to hear that Fernando can open doors, pull my wheelchair, and turn off lights.  Yes, service dogs are considered a tool, in the eyes of the government.  Ferno's actions have such a ginormous impact on my well-being. Service animals are not just here for the handlers in a physical sense, but also in an emotional.  :o)

As I reflect on this especially lucky day, all i can is that Fernando is "Simply awesome!"

Ask before you Pet!

December 4, 2012

I have been a bad blogger.....  Has it really been two weeks?  Geesh!  The good news is that everything continues well with my Canine Companions service dog.  Fernando has been fantastic.  We have been in several stores and a few restaurants.   He had performed beautifully.  The only place that he becomes a bit amped up is at my daughter's gymnastics gym.  Everyone there, including coaches and the gym owner are dog lovers; Pioneer Gymnastics is like our second home.  I tend not to enforce the "please ask before petting" rule.  That being said, Fernando is still a complete gentleman.

This also brings me to my current gripe about strangers and my service dog.  If you see a dog that usually is not allowed in restaurant or grocery stores, would you assume that dog is present for your specific petting needs?  No, that dog is there as a tool for the disabled person attached to the other end of the leash....not for you to pet.  50% of the time, a person will ask me if they can give Fernando a pet; with that, I usually say Thank you for asking, you may give a quick pat or if the person is a child, I will have Ferno give them a shake.  Of course if there are a bazillion people around, I will say no because I do not want that one person's pet to become an open invite to others.

Fernando is also part of my personal space.  If you should decide that you have the need to come up to my partner and I from behind, to give my furry man a scratch on his behind without saying a word, you might as well be scratching my arse as you just violated me.  Have a bit of respect and just ask.  Most of us handicapables will say yes, as we appreciate the courtesy if you asking.  While you are distracting my dog, I cannot have him help me out.  Fernando will be enjoying a pet, ere go,  he will not be listening to any commands I may need him for.

While I had Odin out in public, I had a "please do not pet me, I am working" patch on his vest.  The patch did not make a huge difference between the courteous and the people who felt they are above the need to be respectful.  I am thinking I may buy one for Fernando's vest anyway, perhaps that patch will make a difference with one of two people.

As I mentioned, Fernando is a tool for me, similar to my wheelchair or crutches.  The Federal ADA laws also recognize him as a medical aid. I wish all my "medical aids" were as warm and fuzzy as my pup, lol.  Like Odin, Fernando has become an indispensable part of my daily living.  As we have had a repeat visits to a few stores, people are starting to recognize us. My pharmacy now has dog treats behind the counter when we come in.  I have also had to remind a few that I would appreciate if they would ask to pet Fernando, each time they see us.  Just because I said yes yesterday, doesn't mean you have the automatic invitation to pet today; I maybe short on time today or my pup may have had a long busy day and is tired.

If you should come across a service team in a store, and have an uncontrollable need to  touch the dog, just ask.  Please do not be indecisive and stalk us before you build up the courage to ask or attempt a drive by petting.  Stalking is just creepy and yes, we do notice you.  We are not being rude if we do say no.  We may have several reasons why we said no, and we do not have to explain why;  we may have to get home to see the kids off the bus, have an appointment or just don't feel well.

I thank you now for asking to pet my service dog.  You rock! I will be extraordinarily appreciative!  As Fernando and I continue our adventure as a brand new service team, we want to instill our bond and our confidence in each other.  :o)

Thank You! To Family, CCI, and beyond!

11.21.2012

     Wow! I have so much to be thankful for this year.  First, and foremost, my health has not declined over the past year.  I interpret this as not being diagnosed with any extras and my current state achieving a plateau.  Also, my family is very healthy!  Having an autoimmune disease (or three) has taught me patience, that its ok to ask for help and to not sweat the small stuff and REALLY enjoy the small things.  :o)
     Another major event that involves a "thanks" that extends beyond words and actions is the benefit of a service dog.  This whole world of thanks begins with Fernando's puppy raisers who exposed him to the real world and taught his foundation of obedience.  Without them, I am able to spend my first holidays, in quite a few years, with a bit less worry.  A ginormous THANK YOU to Fred and Kathleen.  What you have done to help improve my quality life... well, I am speechless and teary eyed!
     Of course, Canine Companions for Independence deserves a world wide standing ovation as well!  They helped get us through a hurricane, 8 days without power and a Nor'easter.  We still graduated on time and with all the information we needed to be successful with our service dogs.
     My family and friends also rocks!  I am always able to depend on them when I need something.  When people heard that I was going to New York for two weeks, everyone pulled together to help cover kid-care.  THANK YOU to my huge webbed support system, the best a girl could ask for!  I also have the most understanding kids, and loving husband (there are days I feel like I am living in a dream).
       Last but not least, Fernando.  He has been at my every beck and call over the past few weeks.  This pup never asks for anything back except for a bit of food and a reassuring pat here and there.  As our bond continues to cement itself, I feel I am the luckiest person in the world to have such an advantageous partner.  I have always been an extremely independent person, Fernando is able to give back a little more to me.

     Everyone needs to find something to be thankful from the past year.  It may be as small as a stranger smiling at you to brighten up a tough day to something as big as gaining a canine partner to help you out.  Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!  Go stuff yourself silly then engorge a little more.  :o)

First public outings and First restaurant experience with my CCI pup!

November 15, 2012

   Over the last few days Fernando and I have had our first public outings.  The first involved going into city hall to license him.  Ferno performed wonderfully and we received lots of smiles from strangers.  We also ventured to Big Lots to search for a reasonably priced dog bed and they did not have any that were large enough for Odin or Ferno.  :o( We were stopped a few times with general questions as well as people asking to pet him.  Since Tuesday was a rainy dreary day, that afternoon involved a nap with my two favorite pups.
     I decided that Ferno and I should try Ocean State job lots in our search for a second dog bed.  Success!  I found an AKC brand bed large to accommodate either dog for only $18!  I had a few people do drive-by petting, distracting Ferno from me.  Ugh, frustrating.  We were also stalked by two different people.  Creepy? Yes.  I even did a crazy zig-zag pattern around some clothes racks and aisles, they were still there.  You can talk to me people, I don't bite and neither does my service dog!  Lol.  My highlight was passing along information about Canine Companions for Independence to an employee whose daughter is a quadriplegic. Her face lit up when I told her how much Fernando is able to help me out and also how he helps me feel more independent. :o)
     My son, RJ, had his TaeKwonDo graduation.  This particular event is known to be VERY noisy with lots going on at the same time.  I was a bit concerned about Fernando becoming overstimulated and possibly nervous.  He decided the best way for him to watch, was upside down and on on his back.  Lol.  My pup was fine and I was the one that became a bit overstimulated!  :o) I also attracted the attention of the school's principal and a few teachers.  They were all very gracious and accepting of Fernando being there with me.  I offered to come visit in a few months with Ferno to educate my children's peers about service dogs and the people who need them.  Everyone thinks this would be a great idea!
     Today we decided to do some birthday and holiday shopping with Grandma in Toys'r'Us.  Several people commented on how handsome my Fernando is!  He also learned that when G-mom and I stop, he should just lay down and take a short nap; sometimes we can take awhile to decide which item to get.  Has anyone seen the Lego aisle lately?? There are now 2 1/2 aisles of Legos these days!  Decisions!
     Uno's was our first restaurant experience without CCI guidance.  We were sat at a booth, Fernando went under the table and laid at G-mom's and me's feet.  Again, he decided he would be most comfortable laying on his back and curled in a ball.  Crazy dog.  When we initially walked into the restaurant, the hostess looked very unsure of having a dog in the building.  I sat up tall and walked with confidence, knowing my dog had legal rights to be there as much as I did.  She did look a bit less unsure of herself.  Although, I wasn't feeling as confident as I looked, I know I would have been questioned if stayed with my shoulders slumped and returned the hostess's questioning look.  To all my fellow graduates out there, "fake it till ya make it!" Lol.
     Each day increases my sense of self.  Fernando is already bringing back much of self confidence at a steady pace.  The falls over the past 4ish years, especially in public, took ginormous chunks out of my pride and self worth.  Having Ferno around will decrease my chance of falling (specifically picking up dropped items, I won't have to try to balance and pick up) and will positively influence my emotional and physical abilities to go out alone.  :o) how awesome is this?!

CCI Graduation, My Speech and Homecoming!

Saturday 11.10.2012
   
     Fernando and I formally graduated yesterday on a gorgeous 60 degree day.  I would have to say, my speech went well.  People laughed, people cried (I managed to hold it together, I am not sure how) and I was interrupted in the middle by a round of applause.  The applause occurred while I was praising how wonderfully we were treated by CCI  during our crazy team training.  I was requested by several of my fellow graduates to post my speech, so here it is:
   
CCI Graduation Speech!

     "Good Afternoon, Graduates, CCI trainers, staff and supporters, as well as fellow Sandy And Nor'easter survivors!  I am Heather and also a team training and Sandy survivor.  Can u believe this insane weather?  CCI is never going to allow my particular group of peers back together for fear of more crazy weather! I personally could not of asked to be stuck in the dark with a better bunch of people.  No matter how cold, stinky, or disconnected we felt from the world around us; we all kept smiling and cracking jokes.  
     We were taught that dogs get to know one another by scent.  we may have felt self conscious without showers ourselves for days at a time, the upside is that our pups were able to smell us and get know us very well all the way from the kennels, without trying.
     Our team training has been quite the multidimensional experience.  We have all learned how to handle our dogs, succeeded in commanding our dogs for our specific needs, and were educated on how much we LOVE hot water and electricity.  The CCI staff here in the Northeast region has gone above and beyond keeping us as comfortable as possible. Remember, that several of the staff were also dealing their own power outages and property damages, they continued to show up to work to keep us on schedule and have succeeded in graduating us on time!  The hot meals they provided, not only for lunch but sometimes for dinner were such a welcome treat.  CCI also provided us with the option for an overnight hotel stay to warm up and reconnect with the world.  A few members of the staff also took some of our laundry home, talk about getting to know your graduates....  A little too well!  Our appreciation for the CCI staff goes beyond words and we cannot express the gratitude we feel towards these exceptional people!
     A few tidbits about our class experience.  I will begin with myself and Fernando who met about two weeks ago.  I had been an emergency veterinary technician for over 13 years and have met hundreds of dogs and kitties along the way.  When one of the trainers handed Fernando to me to work with, we looked at each other and connected on a level where we were able to to read each other from the start.  Yes, we were told not to become attached to any of the dogs as our "match" could be different from any of the dogs we even worked with.  I admit, even after working with some of the other wonderful CCI dogs, I was hoping we would be matched.  On Prematch day when I was handed The handsome Fernando, my inner child was doing backflips!  He and I will continue our strong partnership that CCI has begun.  :o)
     Ann Marie and Domino -- sometimes you don't realize how perfect your match is until you take your dog back to your room with you.  Most of you who have retrievers or retriever crosses know how loud they can snore. Domino and Ann Marie were watching TV, laying next to each other, when Ann Marie's mom assumed Ann Marie was asleep.  Well, she realized Ann Marie was wide awake and it was Domino who was snoring!  
     Samuel and Proton -- Samuel's smile always put you in a better mood no matter how you were feeling, as it can light up a room! Samuel thinks Proton is awesome and funny; cannot wait to hang out on Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR races and Patriots football games.  Our dogs not only provide physical support but also emotional.  Proton will help Samuels anxiety at the not so fun doctors appt.  Protons digestion system is also one of the most efficient among our pups as he is Productive pooper at 3x a day!
     Jessica and Livingston --  this is Jessica's second time through team Training Team.  She was paired with a one of kind pup named Eugene in 2005.  Jess, thinking, since this was her second time through, training would be easier.  "Not so much!" Jess also confers how personalities vary from dog to dog.  Eugene was not big on playing fetch, Livingston, on the other hand....  Will go all day if allowed..  ;o)
     Cynthia and Gio -- Gio is our long haired prom king of the group (unless he gets a bath, then he looks like a drown rat until he dries). He will be sure to turn heads in any place he goes.  As I have chatted with Cynthia about her already rich and fruitful life, I see her continuing to live life to the fullest with this gorgeous man. Not even a fracture has broken the bond that has been grown between Cynthia and Gio.
     Dylan and Hope-- Bonding on first night in our rooms, Dylan and hope were laying in bed, Dylan as content as could be, was gently stroking her ear and was telling her "hope, I love you". Hope has already gained the nickname " hope on a rope" in her new family.
     Jim and Kousz --  while in class, most of us would think Kousz is a quiet hardworking little man.  Kousz and his team did so well at one activity they won a ball that squeaks.  Jim told us when he gave Kousz the ball and released him, Kousz turned into part jackrabbit and part cat.  This lab started bouncing around like a mad man and swatting at this ball!  Lol.  Another one of Kouszs favorite pastimes is to lay on the bed with Jim and hang his head over the side with his nose pointing at the floor.  I cannot wait to hear more stories as this pups personality grows!
     Nelyn and Rookie --  they have both bloomed over the past few weeks.  Nelyn was very quite and reserved.  Once Rookie joined in her in a partnership, I could see Nelyn relax a little and we all watched as she found her "command" voice.  The first time she came out with a loud, firm "sit," i think we all jumped a little. This special relationship will flourish over the coming years into an inseperable bond.
     As we all endeavor on our new journey with our CCI provided partner, I have no doubt these dogs will bring a new found confidence within ourselves.  I wish the best for all us as we bond with our pups and learn more about each personality.  As most of you probably agree, each of our awe-inspiring CCI dogs will cultivate our lives from just a row of daisies into an entire garden of windflowers!  

Thank you."

     I had ultimate pleasure of meeting the family that raised Fernando for the first 18 months of his life.  CCI calls theses special people, who socialize and do basic training, "puppy raisers."  It definitely takes an exceptional type of person to be able to rear these dogs and be able to pass them back to CCI for advanced training to eventually become an assistance dog.  Kathleen and Fred were Fernando's puppy raisers.  He isn't the first puppy they have raised for CCI nor is he the last.  They currently have a 17 week old CCI pup at home.  :o) During Graduation, we saw some of the matriculating puppies moving onto "college," or advanced training; some of the puppies were the 16th or 17th puppy people have raised for Canine Companions for Independence!  If it were not for people like Kathleen and Fred, CCI would not be able to accomplish the monumental task of providing assistance dogs to people like myself.  Fernando's puppy raisers have are a heart of gold, they gave me a priceless gift of not only for volunteering for CCI but also an album full of pictures of Fernando from when he began his journey with them.  The album is a wonderful and thoughtful treat!  I have photos of him from 8 weeks to his matriculation ceremony at 18 months, and of his first experience in snow to swimming.
     When I finally arrived home last night (after two extra hours from sitting in traffic), my family was out grocery shopping.  This gave me an opportunity to come in a say hello to Odin by myself for a few minutes.  When I walked in, he didn't know what to do with himself, he was practically vibrating out of his skin and wouldn't stop talking/whining.  I sat on the couch and Odin smothered me with kisses and kept circling, making me think he didn't believed was actually there!  
      When I went outside to grab Fernando from the Jeep, Odin was so upset I left (I think people from the next town could hear him whining).  My two furry boys met and they thought they were long lost brothers.  Lots of tail wagging, butt sniffing and playful body language.  As an after thought, I should of recorded as they had me laughing.  I brought in Fernando's toys and they both shared nicely.  I think Fernando thought he hit a pot of gold when he found Odin's basketful of toys.  Lol
     So far, so good! I have mentioned CCI about a million times during this blog, so if you are interested in learning more about them, you can go to www.cci.org.

CCI Graduation tomorrow!

Thursday 11.08.2012

     This will be short and sweet tonight.  I am tired and Fernando is already snoring ON my feet.  We had our written test as well as our public access test.  Fernando and I passed both!  Per CCI's stringent rules, you have to be able to properly control your service dog in public and be able to command your needs in an effective manner.  We will be able to go out in public including restaurants, stores, and sporting events legally.
      Tomorrow we have our formal graduation.  I have finished my speech to represent my class.  I can only hope that I will do justice to our amazing experience over the past two weeks.  Yes there was a hurricane and a Nor'easter, but neither of them stopped us from graduating in time!  They do give me plenty of material to talk about.  Lol.  The whole CCI staff has been exceptional.  The amount of material they teach to us over just two weeks is still mind boggling!
     I also cannot wait to go home to my family.  I miss them lots and fortunately they have survived two weeks without me.  My own bed has been calling me from Springfield for a few nights now.  Lol
     My speech must be printed and my body get some rest.  Tomorrow is an exciting but busy day!  I also get to meet the family that raised Fernando for the first 18 months of his life.  It takes a special person to take care of a teach a puppy for the first  year and half of its life, only to give it up to improve the life of a disabled person.
     I will continue to blog, but not every night.  Fernando and I's journey has just begun, so I hope you will us for this fascinating look I to life with a service dog!