Diann and I...growing together
by Erin Kelly, OH, U.S.A.

In 1993 I was working full time in a multi-site medical centre as administrative director of physical, occupational and speech therapy, and clinical director of speech pathology and audiology. Since beginning work as a speech therapist in 1980, my workload and job duties had changed dramatically, and I was overwhelmed. I enjoyed my work but was getting increasingly despondent about my steadily progressing CMT and how I could handle my job, a family, and much-needed social activities. My hand function and balance had deteriorated, making it difficult for me to bend and pick up dropped objects. I wore bilateral AFOs and used an electric scooter for distances. All my energy conservation techniques still left me totally and absolutely fatigued by the end of the day. What more could I do?

One day a concerned co-worker suggested that I apply for a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a national organization that trains and places helper dogs with hearing impaired and physically challenged individuals that meet certain requirements. I was adamantly reluctant. Certainly there were other people out there who needed a service dog more than I! I was not confined to a wheelchair or home, could do all my activities of daily living with minimal help from my husband, and could drive. Any excuse to avoid facing the future was fair game. My friend, not easily dissuaded, talked me into accompanying her to a nearby training facility to check out the program. Besides, we both took a day off work for the trip.

Well, I was impressed. After interacting with some of the dogs and speaking with the staff at CCI, I was beginning to wonder if maybe this might work out after all. We talked about how if a dog was placed with me now he or she could "grow" with my CMT . As my limitations progressed my canine partner's skills would, with continued training, increase to better meet my changing needs. Coupled with my newly found perspective and the knowledge that the waiting list for an appropriate service dog could be as long as four years, I decided to trudge through the lengthy application process.

I thought I would never get called for training with a potential partner, but the phone rang in March of 1995 and I was on my way! One of the candidates who had been signed up for the current session had suddenly become ill and was unable to attend. Since I was close to a regional training centre I was asked if I would like to participate. A week later I found myself in the middle of one of the most intensive (and draining) courses I had ever encountered. There were two full weeks of lectures; written tests and practicum (work directly with the dogs) daily; and study back at the hotel in the evening. If that weren't enough, after three days of observation by the trainers a dog was chosen for each of us. It was sort of like a wedding ceremony.

From that day forward, including the rest of the training, our dogs stayed with us and we took care of his or her every need. All further practical training occurred with our chosen dog.

Of course I couldn't have been happier that I was matched with Diann, a spunky, but gentle, 18-month-old yellow Labrador that I had already had my eye one. We got along tremendously and passed both our written and practical final exams with flying colors. I won't say everything was "a piece of cake." I had my doubts about being able to care adequately for a new member of my family and keep up her training at home. She knew 60 basic commands that had to be reinforced; I had to take responsibility for developing and teaching new commands geared to my individual needs, then and in the future. As much as I loved her, would she be a liability or an asset? How would my energy limitations figure into all of this?

I needn't have worried. Diann and I have been together for more than five years. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her! I was able to continue working, and, after a time, changed to a position as a staff speech therapist in a small community hospital. I took further training to have Diann and I certified as a Delta Therapy Dog team. We were both able to participate in helping stroke and head injured patients recover their speech and physical function. It was clearly one of the most meaningful experiences I have had to date. But what exactly does Diann do for me?

Without turning this into a thesis, I'll try to stick to some of the most important things as examples. Diann picks up most everything I drop. She helps with the laundry and cleaning in my apartment, opens doors, turns lights on and off, and carries groceries in. She retrieves things for me that I can't reach, helps me up when I fall, and steadies me when I walk. She provides unconditional love and companionship. She's my best buddy! Diann goes everywhere I go, so she's always there to help when I need her.

I am now retired and working from home as a freelance writer. I was divorced two years ago and am alone with Diann. I am convinced that a very good friend, who must have known something about independence that I didn't at the time, saved me from possible institutionalization and helped to improve the quality of my life. I fully believe that I have been highly blessed. I must say that a service dog is not for everyone. As those of us with CMT know, each of us is different in the way the disease process affects us over the course of time and in our needs and abilities. As different individuals, we all have different aspirations and solutions that help us to reach our goals. This worked for me, and I thank you for letting me share my story.