I am speaking, tonight, at my graduation. I have accomplished a major goal that Ive been fundraising, waiting, preparing and stressing about for the past year and a half. Ive been away training for the past two weeks, at ECAD in Dobbs Ferry NY, and have finally passed my final exam and Public Access test and have been placed with a Service Dog. Her name is Crane. She is a 19month old Golden Retriever, born on Christmas Day of 2012.
She is absolutely amazing. ECAD has taught her things they have never taught a service dog before(kind of their specialty). In addition to all her mandatory service dog tasks (opening doors, turning on and off lights, retrieving things for me, etc..) she balances me while I am unstable and she guides me. Since I am right side blind and have no depth perception, Crane guides me around objects in my path. When she is unable to guide me around them, she alerts me to a change in terrain and gives me the time and support to figure my way over it. We spent our first week here in the classroom for eight hours a day learning about these dogs and the training that goes into them. The second week we conquered malls, grocery stores, elevators, restaurants, etc.. etc.. What a freeing feeling it is to be able to hold my head high and take in my surroundings while Crane watches my feet and leads the way. I even arranged and trained at a local airport, Wings Air Helicopters. Yes----If you know me you know how ecstatic I am about that!!
I have spent these two weeks away from my kids, in an unfamiliar environment and with 3 other house mates. We have been in classroom together, eaten together, shared a bathroom and bedroom... meanwhile trying to bond with this new companion. It has been such an incredible experience. Ive learned so so much about human relationships, patience, mutual respect, etc. Ive met so many amazingly inspirational people on this journey. I cannot imagine this chunk of my life missing.
So, tonight, we graduate! The ceremony is at 44 Main St in Hasting on Hudson, NY. Anyone is welcome but you must call ahead.
Tomorrow I arrive home and take on life with Crane. For those of you that live nearby please keep in mind that, although she is beautiful and looks like she would love the attention, even when she looks sound asleep(good portion of the time) she IS working and awaiting her next command. So, please, keep that in mind. You may ask to meet her and the proper way is to have me let her shake your hand. Other than that...all the love and affection comes from me :)
I cannot thank my entire community, donors, trainers and family enough for all their support through this. I cannot wait to begin this new chapter of independence and security that as my condition worsens, I have Crane there to help me as I may need.
Thanks in advance!
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