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)
