Countdown to heading from MA to Long Island for an on-site, two-week Assistance Dog Training Class … if all goes well, I’ll return home with “Fido” …As you see, I can put my (lightweight) travel scooter in the trunk but I do have some trouble walking. I have a rare neurological condition that affects the muscles in my legs. I use a forearm crutch to get around but need a scooter for distances.
It took nearly two years to get called. The process required a written application, phone interview and doctor referral. After all that was approved, I traveled to NY for an in-person interview. Then, I took my spot on the waiting list.
The Labrador Retrievers are fully trained – it’s the humans who needs training. Training is intense with lectures, group practice and individual instruction as well as field trips. There’s no guarantee – there are tests to take and proficiency to prove. It was a real eye-opener when the thick training notebook arrived several weeks ago. Fortunately, it came with two CDs, which I’ll listen to as I drive to NY. (Ssh, don't tell, but my friend Leslie with MS sent me her notes from her Training Class last February - she loves her dog Wheeler!)
Honestly, I had my doubts. It’s a major commitment and undertaking with 24-7 responsibility. I’m at our FL home about ½ the year and 75% of that is alone, as Ed’s still working. So the bottom line and pooper scooper will be all mine a lot of the time. However, being alone in FL is one of the reasons I applied and so I’m embracing the opportunity.
The trip begins with a 3 hour drive to Fairfield CT. There, I’ll enjoy lunch with a few people involved in an online support group for our health condition. Then, I’ll take the 1 ¼ hour ferry to Port Jefferson, Long Island.
The Canine Companions for Independence facility is in Medford. The 11 acre campus features 35 kennels, exercise yards, a wellness clinic and grooming facility, kennels and play yards. The Residence Hall has 11 dorm rooms and a community kitchen, dining room and lounge. There are 5 training and meeting rooms. That will be my "home" and "school" for two weeks.
Tonight I finish packing and getting ready for my drive tomorrow. Let's see: clothes, personal care items, Training Workbook and CCI materials, camera, pocketbook, magazines and books, gym clothes & bathing suit for exercise/PT at the YMCA, crutches, scooter and battery charger. Oh yes, I still need to make sure my daughter Julia comes by everyday to feed my two Fighter Fish while I'm gone. Hope they'll get along with Fido. And of course I need my laptop! The campus has WIFI, whew.
Stay tuned!
For information about the Canine Companions for Independence program, visit www.cci.org
Kathi...I am so glad you are writing this blog....I too, have applied for a Service Dog....I am just going to the Interview on August 13. I too, have lots of concerns, but, I am also truly embracing this as a unique opportunity that HSP has allowed. I know it will be a long wait. I am 58 years old, a widow, diagnosed in 2004; have been very active and have lead a fascinating, challenging career to date, and I am welcoming this challenge too...
ReplyDeleteOur Service Dogs are trained and developed by Pacific Assistance Dogs Society, (www.pads.com) so go look, the program seems much the same as yours. I'm so looking forward to hearing your reaction to meeting your new companion. The 'Motto' of PADS is 'changing one life at a time' and there is no question in my mind that a Dog will change my life, and one will yours too.... I applaud you....You are approaching this adventure with such a positive yet controlled attitutde.
Good job Kathi getting this up and running in time. I knew you would and am glad to see they have wifi at the dorm. I hope you can post pictures of some of the training. Others who read this probably don't know you are responsible for me getting on the CCI list and for that I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathi. Can you introduce me to Ann?! She mentions PADS which is a local organization, so I think that I had better meet her! Also - the address for PADS is www.pads.ca, not 'com' - I tried that one and it was totally unconnected. And good luck to both of you,
ReplyDeleteJean
Bruce: Hope your Canine Companion opportunity comes soon! And my thanks to you for introducing me to triking! I never would have known about it if you hadn't talked me into trying out your trike. What a wonderful part of my life triking has become.
ReplyDeletewhoops.... www.pads.ca close but no cigar
ReplyDeleteHi, you are doing a fabulous job there. Had a chuckle over Ed's post. Cher was here today so I showed all of this to her plus she did some other things on the computer. Your dog is beautiful.
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