Today was a BIG day! I moved forward two steps in my process to attain/befriend a service dog through PAALS. I continue to be SO impressed with PAALS and all they seek to accomplish. I waited a long time for this day to come and I am so excited to share my wonderful experience. My day didn’t start out that great, as I really struggled this morning to get going. My body is dragging and I know that is because of my recent GI issues but boy, did it take a lot to get going.
Once I got myself ready, dressed, and took another nap, I headed over to the Food Lion grocery store that I usually shop at and met up with 2 great ladies from PAALS and a beautiful, kind, and sweet dog named Monahota. She was AMAZING! We traveled around the store where she (and I) were able to learn about using my power wheelchair, hands free leash, and giving cues. She was a quick learner and made me look good despite fumbling with the right words, or forgetting to pass her treats on the side and not in front of me. She seemed proud of her abilities and confident, which I loved! It’s important to note that Monahota was brought today for her skills, and while she could potentially be my eventual dog, a process exists to select the best dog for my needs.
I shared some of my concerns/ troubles at the grocery store (mainly the stupid refrigerator doors that make my trips extra hard) and we brainstormed some ideas to make have a dog support my goals. Monahota was also eager to show me how she likes to pick up objects and be helpful. From the grocery store we walked back to my community and even crossed the major street, she continued to shine!
Once we were all back in the community, we walked past the dining room full of residents who were eager to see Monahota and she was very aware that everyone was “checking her out!” We then went to my apartment where she was amazingly well behaved and stay in a “down” position for the most part of the visit. My little apartment fared well, but I need to find some space for a large crate. Good thing I have help coming!
Pictures were taken of my apartment to help with training and to give the committee a better idea of where a dog would be living. The entire time we were moving about the apartment, dear Monahota, stayed in her down position and didn’t make a peep. That is going to take some time to get used to.
After some time, the delegation from PAALS left and began their travels back to Columbia! The next steps include the committee meeting, fundraising, speed dating to find the best pairing, and then some intensive training. Patience is going to continue to be the name of the game as this process is going to continue to take time. I recently made a bracelet that simply reads, “God’s Timing” and that is exactly what it is all about!
I am confident that things will work out as they are supposed to and when they are supposed to, but in the meantime, please feel free to say a few prayers that I can keep the faith in this time of waiting. I also know that Monahota is going to live an amazing life transforming a person’s whole being!
Stay tuned for the next chapter!
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