  Companion Dog for Abby - By Becky French, Team Facilitator & Mom |
 Abby & RoyceIf my daughter, Abby French, could read or write, she would want to share the following story about her Skilled Companion Dog Royce.Because Abby was born with the brain malformation, Partial Agenesis of the Corpus Collosum so speaking, learning, playing outside and making friends are very difficult. The dream of having an assistance dog began when Abby was 6 years old. She and I visited the local library often and one of out favorite books was about service dogs helping people with disabilities. Someday, we wished, Abby would have her own dog. I wrote to CCI and received a packet of information explaining the application process. Because of Abby's young age and the time commitment required, applying for a dog was postponed but not forgotten. When Abby turned 10, her father and I agreed it was time to begin the application process for a dog. Photos and videos, of Abby's home, yard and family, as well as the long application form were sent. Letters of support from Abby's teachers, doctors and therapists followed. Over the next 18 months, Abby waited to hear from CCI. Finally, in September 2000, the NER Training Center called to say Abby was invited to team training in November! Organizing for team training was fun but nerve racking. Traveling with Abby takes extra special planning since new environments make her anxious and she doesn't sleep much when away from home. But the thought of returning with a Skilled Companion for Abby provided the necessary incentive. Shelley Corson, Abby's long-time personal care aide, came along to take part in team training and assist Abby when she needed a break from class. The trip to Long Island took 12 hours in the pouring rain including getting lost several times. Team training was everything that was promised, long days, hard work and lots of wonderful people and dogs. Abby was such a trooper and participated during most of the lectures and practice sessions with the dogs. Trainers Ellen, Josh and Laura Ann were tremendously patient and made us all feel welcomed. At the end of two weeks, Abby was headed home to Maine with a new companion, Royce, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. Knowing Royce tells you something about his remarkable puppy raiser, Kathy Mandsagar from NH. People instantly fall in love with Royce due to his calm, loving disposition. He is the perfect dog for Abby. Kathy's love and gentle guidance offered Royce the start he needed to be a successful Skilled Companion dog. Because of Abby's shifting moods and easy distractibility, Royce's laid back nature is invaluable. Puppy raisers are such generous and thoughtful people and we feel fortunate that folks like Kathy are willing to offer so much of themselves. Before having Royce, Abby was afraid of animals. Now, Abby relies on Royce for reassurance and companionship. Abby's fist words in the morning and last thing at night are, "Royce, come." Royce dutifully comes and jumps on the bed for a kiss and hug goodnight before sleep and quietly rests in her room until morning. Royce goes everywhere with Abby except school. He accompanies her to all of her medical appointments, which relieves her anxiety. Other times he goes to Wal-Mart, Shop and Save, and basketball games with Abby, helping her to interact with people since Royce draws admirers where ever he goes. Abby's speech and behavior have improved because of Royce. She has the responsibility of feeding, walking and grooming Royce, which provides a huge boost to her self-confidence. Because of Royce's love of snow, for the first time in her life, Abby enjoys playing outside in the winter! Sledding is so much fun with Royce. To give Royce a chance to romp with another dog, Abby and Royce visit with other dogs regularly. Having Royce in the family has broadened Abby's life in so many ways. Abby appreciates having someone to interact with besides adults. As time goes by, the relationship between Abby and Royce grows stronger and our family wants to thank CCI and Kathy Mandsagar for the special gift that helps Abby through her life. CCI trains dogs as companions and as working dogs. CCI dogs are trained to respond to over fifty commands. CCI matches the unique needs of the individual to the most suitable dog. We recommend CCI to anyone with a disability that would welcome a dog in their lives. For more information you may call 1.800.572.BARK (2275) or visit their web site at www.caninecompanions.org. |
|
Want To Add An Article? Be Notified Of New Kind Planet Content? Communicate With Us? Contact Kind Planet is created at The Sanctuary. Lost? Go to the Site Map or Search Our Site |
