An article for Tully.

Tully wanted an article for her Peer Support Group Newsletter,.

I thought I would write a simple piece, 

no getting carried away as I usually do!!!

Here we go ----

I am an old wheelie, I spend most days in my chair, either rumbling around, or driving everyone mad because I want to go out.

About 2 and a half years ago I lost my little dog, he had been my constant companion all through the dark early years of my disability, he was the one who sat on my bed when I was too dizzy to move, lick my face when the tears came and cuddle me when I needed a friend. 

When he died I was heartbroken and didn’t want another dog I was happy to share my daughters little darling called Nacho, she also stayed on my bed through the dark days of depression, then helped me to gain confidence and return to the world, I loved that little dog very much, but she wasn’t mine.

About 14 months ago I realized I needed another dog of my own.  

 A few years ago it was suggested that a service dog might be useful for me; I filled out all the forms, but never sent them in because I wanted a dog who was mine, right from the start.

 I found my boy 12 months ago, ---- a big black bundle of mischief called Midnight, he is a Standard Poodle with the most beautiful eyes in the world, a long nose and a brain much cleverer than mine. It was love at first sight, and I have never regretted my decision to train him myself, however this is when my problems started.

In Australia we are not allowed to register a working dog that has not been trained by one of the authorized training companies. There are 3 in Australia who train dogs for people in wheel chairs, but none are in Victoria, and none will train what I personally need. Nor will they train dogs for people who do not use a wheel chair

. 

If I lived in the U. S.  I would have both choices and I could even use a different sort of animal!!!

Now I am advocating again, I want my boy to be registered, and also want others to have a service dog if it would make their life easier, and everyone to make their own choice of how it is trained.

                     Will I ever stop trying to change the world!!!

               

                          ****************************

That is what I wrote, very restrained,

I didnot rabbit on at all,

must be getting tired!!!!!

Goodnight all.