What a Dog Can Do!
Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
by Fireflies Team
Fireflies For the Heart
" Mom ma? Mom ma? Where's my notebook?" yelled Elijah. "The news station called to say your interview has been changed to 11:00!"
" Mom ma! I can't find my school shoes!" exclaimed Isaiah. "Oh, and your other wheelchair battery is finished re-charging."
" Mom ! My report got moved off the desk... do you know where it is?" hollered Isabelle. "I've already fed the 5 new dogs but haven't fed any of the puppies yet."
Wow! What a busy household! Does it sound like yours? It sounds like mine only a bit more chaotic... news interviews, wheelchairs, dogs and donations... PLUS 4 kids. Who is this woman I am writing about today?
Karen gives Ben, a black German Shepherd assistance dog, the credit, praise and honor of not only being her inspiration to start the non-profit organization, but also for saving her life.
As an energetic young college woman, Karen was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease called " Myasthenia gravis" which literally means "serious muscle-weakness." With varying degrees of severe fatigue and chronic muscle weakness, Karen's physical condition had deteriorated so much that she became dependent on a respirator to breathe, unable to walk or even sit up straight, depressed, discouraged and suicidal. She even had a secret stash of morphine she could have used to end it all... but. . .
(you knew there was a "but" coming, didn't you!)
but. . . one of her friends ... believed so much that Karen deserved a happy full life... even with Myasthenia Gravis, she began literally dragging her and her wheelchair to animal shelters forcing Karen to look for a possible service dog. They found Ben... a black shadow of love that needed Karen as much as she needed him. Ben grew from a pup into a loving assistant for Karen. Ben was trained to bring mail and beverages, answer the phone on command, and to generally watch over her.
One day due to medication complications, Karen was in serious need of medical attention and unresponsive. When the phone rang, Ben answered the phone withoutbeing given his command and brought the phone over to where she lay breathing but unable to speak... after staying quiet for a few moments to allow Karen to speak (of course she couldn't) Ben began barking into the phone and then getting quiet so the caller understood something was wrong.
The caller (who happened to be Karen's father) hung up and called 911. The ambulance responders found Ben still by Karen barking into the phone. They all credit Ben for saving her life.
From that experience, Karen realized she had the ability to influence and affect other lives. Thus, together with Ben, she cofounded Paws 4 Ability, an organization that matches and trains service, assistance, and companion dogs with needy children and adults. Paws 4 Ability's mission? " to enrich the lives of people with disabilities by training and placing service animals to provide them with companionship and promote independent living... specializing in placements with people who are turned away by many other agencies."
From a despondent, diseased woman Karen is now a vibrant, business professional with 4 growing children... all stemming from a friend's loving belief in Karen's life.
" Mom , the school bus is here! Love you... see you later!" rang out 4 voices in unison.
Karen smiles, feels their love and finishes her morning routine. In her busy but organized mind she runs through the day. . . "get ready for the interview, deposit the new donations and call about that new litter of puppies I just heard about..."
So, what are you doing today with the rest of your life? I encourage you to be like Karen and let the belief that someone believes in you be a changing point.
Let that belief turn you around from a life of despair to a life of hope, love and generosity.
Ginny Dye, Sandi Valentine & Suess Karlsson are a team of writers who all share a passion to empower and motivate everyone who they touch through their writing. Their stories are a gift to the world! Learn how to create the success you dream of, overcome obstacles and challenges, and live a life of grace and love. Please visit us at http://www.firefliesfortheheart.com
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