Unobtrusive helpmate

Well, it's been a little over five years now that I have been doing my job as partner to my human in assisting her with various tasks.




It would be cool if we had a Summit reunion of the dog buddies I trained with: Krypton (and Jan Horton of Anacortes), Joey (and Grant Richardson of Bellevue,) and Napoleon (and Cole Hardman of Seattle).

Looks like I'm the only one of the four dogs (from 2002 class) who may have to fly to see everyone. Now I live at 7,500 feet elevation in the high desert of northern New Mexico: it's fine, but there's not too much green stuff to pee on, but a whole bunch of different smells.



Alice asked me if I might say a few words about access issues. Okay, a few words.

It bothers Alice when people say to her "NO PETS!" Then she has to remember to breathe and be polite and tell the person that I am not a pet; I am a helper dog, an assistance dog, and a mobility dog. By federal law she has the right to take me with her anywhere the public can go. That includes hotels, restaurants, trains, planes, taxis, you name it, and I'm there, doing my job of helping Alice maintain her independence.

I can sense tension and unease sometimes when we enter a place, but I remain calm and go in under the table and be Alice's "Unobtrusive helpmate". That's a term I remember from the days of team training.



We both smile all the time we are out in public, even if we are tired and don't feel like being nice to people who are rude and unknowing of laws.
Other countries have different laws: Canada, Mexico, and European countries. So it's always a good idea to research before you travel.

Alice says we are pioneers and we are always educating the public on PWDs (People with disabilities) and SDs (service dogs). That's a good job for Alice: education.

Now if I could just figure out how to get treats per word…..



(dictated by Morgan to Alice)

Notes from a volunteer puppy raiser - Chloe

Hello! Chloe is not a Summit dog, but my own forever dog.

Today we went to second grade. Did I tell you that we're writing a book called "Chloe is in Second Grade"? I know I told you at least once! Well, today was a great day for the book project. The class was doing a lot of math, partly because we were there. We started off the visit on the rug playing math games with cards. Then we did weighing and measuring. The teacher, Mrs. Simmons, likes the kids to do a lot of problem solving, and you'll see that they did plenty today. She measured the height of the kids and a helper checked their weight. They each wrote out a paper saying: "I weigh _____ pounds. I am _____ inches tall."

When it was time to measure Chloe, we discussed where you measure a dog, and the need to have consistent measurements, then we measured her at the shoulders. She was 24" tall. When it was time to weigh her, of course she would not fit on the bathroom scale. Another problem to solve. How can we find out how much she weighs. One second grader came up with the answer, and we proceeded to weigh the teacher, #128 and the teacher holding Chloe, #178. What math problem did we do to find out Chloe's weight?

After everyone had their papers ready, they each added Chloe's height and weight on them. As a group we found out - Who is taller than Chloe, or shorter? Who weighs more, less, the same?

We will save the papers and weigh and measure in a few months to compare. What do you predict: "I think that ( I / Chloe) will grow more. " We'll see.

Talking Disabilities

Hayden and I had the pleasure of visiting Peggy and Apollo this week. Peggy, along with her husband, brother and sister-in-law, were great to talk and laugh with. The dogs played very hard as buddies that used to live together while in training (at Wendy’s). I don’t know how Apollo was that evening, but between this play time and more at Magnuson Park with other Summit dogs after our Annual Public Access Test, Hayden was exhausted that night! Not to mention his mom.


Although we have different abilities and disabilities, it’s always nice to visit with people who are comfortable with these and can talk and laugh about them in a way many people can’t. I am surrounded by special people in my life that can do this and I feel comfortable talking about these issues with them, along with all of the other things going on in my life and theirs.


Almost a month ago, in a discussion on our chat site, I referenced being an athletic person before I became disabled. With the disease that has changed my life, I have to be on many medications, including extremely high doses of Prednisone (an oral steroid) and Solumedrol (another steroid administered by infusion). These have caused a weight gain of over 50 pounds. My doctor is encouraging by letting me know that if I can decrease these in the future, I’ll be able to drop some of this weight. I miss those days and was sharing that.

One of the volunteers emailed me privately and stated that she had not asked me about my life before I became disabled, and what my disabilities and disease are, even though she was interested, as she didn’t think this would be respectful. I immediately emailed my response to her, stating I didn’t mind her asking me at all and told her my history.

That caused me to think about my comfort level talking about aspects of my disease and disabilities with others that are not in my closest circle of friends and family. When I speak at a Summit event, I invite and welcome questions about these issues. Although people may be cautious because they aren’t sure how to word the questions “correctly,” I know that their intentions are good and I answer them, possibly even providing language that they can use in the future that is better, if they want that. In these roles, I am educating others about my life and how Summit has changed it. My journey to Summit’s door is what I am there to share.

I believe I am educating people when I’m in public with Hayden. When children want to pet him, I frequently ask them if they know what a working dog is. I take this opportunity to discuss the topic with them. This also takes place with adults, who may not be familiar with assistance dogs, besides guide dogs they have seen or heard about. For me, if someone is interested in Hayden and would just like to pet him, or if they are interested in how he assists me, I love the chance to tell how he has changed my life.

I appreciate people asking first, and usually will say yes. If I say no, it’s not personal. In these circumstances, chances are that I’m not feeling well, I’m in pain, I’m in a hurry, Hayden’s having a hard time focusing or is tired, or any number of things that could be going on.


I know that because I live with a disability, I have made assumptions that I can talk with others about theirs, at times even asking strangers. Many times when I see another person partnered with an assistance dog, I do initiate a conversation with them about their experiences with their dog, and I share my own. I wonder if they feel intruded upon, or that I am assuming a kinship that isn’t there. Just because I share a similarity, does not mean that I have a relationship with that person?

I realized that this may be as intrusive as when people walk up to me, seeing my cane, or Hayden and ask what is “wrong” with me. To me, this is very rude and implies an attitude of “better than” on their part, as if they are “normal” and I’m not. I am living with a disability that doesn’t preclude me from being a human being with many strengths and wonderful attributes. I don’t believe people have the right to ask about my personal self, just because they see an indication that I need physical assistance, just as I wouldn’t randomly walk up to them in a store and ask them what diseases or conditions they may be living with.

When I have more of a relationship with someone, such as the relationship that is there automatically between the volunteers, clients and staff at Summit, I feel entirely comfortable talking about these issues, because I know all of you relate to me as a human first, not by identifying me as my disease and disabilities.

I don’t know why I felt compelled to write my thoughts down. I want people to understand these are my feelings only; I’m not trying to represent anyone else. I just think there’s a fine line between learning from each other and being intrusive. It’s not always easy for any of us to navigate as we make contact with people who are different than ourselves and we usually err on the side of being proper and not talking about these differences. We miss out on learning so much from each other because of this. It helps me to know that all of you see my humanity first, which allows us to share about our challenges, successes and goals.

Michelle

My Summer Trips - By Morgan, Summit Service Dog

Well. I thought I’d let you all hear how my latest trip to the PNW went. My people, Alice and her service husband, Wayne, went on their third big trip this summer. The first was to the East Coast in June (I got to go on that one), then in August they went to niece Karly’s wedding and Alice’s family in Missouri. (I stayed behind and had my own doggie vacation).

In September they went again on a big trip to Seattle and Anacortes (my old home!)

I got to go on that trip, too. We flew from Albuquerque to Seattle, but had to land in Portland first, because of heavy air traffic in Seattle. I like to fly. I know just how to behave. Alice and Wayne are both really proud of how well I do on planes. They have taken me all over the country. I am doing my job taking care of Alice when I go with her on the plane. I make sure she slows down. (She’s always in a hurry, and that is when she tends to fall.)



Some of the highlights of my trip were I got to swim in the ocean three times, I got to see my old girlfriend, Abby (she’s a yellow lab, and we used to be neighbors), I got to play lots with Pico, another yellow lab. I saw lots and lots of Alice and Wayne’s friends and family, and they all made a big fuss over me.



The only thing I didn’t especially like were the cats at some of the places we stayed. They were okay but they didn’t like dogs, period. Oh well, you can’t please everyone.

I didn’t get to visit everybody. I would have liked to check on my brothers from Summit: Grant and Joey, Jan and Krypton, and Cole ands Napoleon. Also, Luna….and Baker, Eddie, Sue, Sarah, Deb, etc., my aunties and also my good friends, Ralph and Candy. We were so busy!

So, Alice promises we’ll go back to see everyone another time, but not real soon. Alice is pretty worn out and so am I. Being a service dog on duty for such a long time is hard work.

Oh, I almost forgot the Mariners baseball game! It was my second major league baseball game at Safeco Field. Alice used one of their wheelchairs, and I did a great job at working next to the chair. I also did perfect “backs” in the elevators. See, dancing is paying off! The smells were delicious: garlic fries, hotdogs, and lots of other good smells. It was kind of loud, but I just put my head under Alice’s chair. We took our friend, Jon with us.



I got lots of love and pets at the wedding, but I took a nap during the service; it was outside and there was a cool female German Shepard there named Eve. I really wanted to play with her.



All in all it was a good trip. The flight home was easy. I just curl up small and stay by Alice. She always puts a special travel fleece blanket down for me so I know where to lie. She also gives me ice cubes on the flight too, but I have to wait until we are back on the ground to get dinner.

It was nice to get home to my favorite toy and my own bed, but it was also good to show Alice how well behaved I am, and what a great service dog I can be for her.

Alice loves how well I work for her! Woof!

(dictated by Morgan to Alice on 9/15/07)

Notes from a volunteer puppy raiser - Maya

That's All Folks - She's gone now.

I delivered Maya to Alice this Friday, Sept. 14, and she brought her up to Anacortes the next day. When she left me, I had just about 8 tears to shed as I had used up so many in the past two weeks. Chloe, her little sister, is now getting a super abundance of hugs and attention.

Maya is staying and training with Sue M. and will be there for about 6 months. Sue says that she has settled right down and is doing well.

The day before she left, I gave her the final haircut at my house. Poodles take a lot of grooming, and the Summit staff has lots to do, so I gave Maya a 'working girl' cut. I cut short all her body, tail and head fluff, trimmed down her ears, and just left a little fluff on her mustache area. She looked like a sleek hunting dog with a beautiful body - not cute, but beautiful.

So I guess my future posts to this blog will be about Chloe for a while, as I don't have another Summit dog yet.

Donna

Jenna and Crystal take their first flights together

We got to the airport fine, though I know Crystal wondered what was going on.  The man who checked us in has a step-daughter who has a service dog, so we had a good chat while checking in (plus a seamless check-in, which was a bonus).  Security was great too, asking if it was okay to pat the dog down.  I ran her fast to our gate, trying to give her some exercise before the flight.

Ah, the flight - which I’m an hour and a half into.  She walked to the seat with my mom while my dad carried me onto the plane.  Crystal was very unsure of the plane, her bulkhead “seating”, and the situation in general.  There was a lot of petting and telling her it was okay, and even a few treats to reassure her she was doing well and she was going to be fine in this situation.  I petted her periodically until we started to take off (I can’t physically sit up while the plane ascends) and then mom petted her.  After about 30-45 minutes, she actually calmed down, quit panting, and laid her head down.  She still picks up her head and pants a bit if there’s turbulence, but that’s expected.  She does have her bear, which helps.

Everyone around us on the plane, flight attendants included, love seeing her at my feet.  And actually, the woman sitting next to my dad was a breeder of Goldens for 16 years.  I hope every flight is this way, with people around us who love to see Crystal at my feet.

The next flight should be interesting, and I’ll write about that experience later.  I try to stay calm so Crystal can be calmer and not anxious, but I’ve never been on a smaller airplane (70 seats) and I’m actually a bit afraid of them.  But she is a great help in staying calm, knowing if I’m calm it’ll be easier to reassure her.

On an end note, a flight attendant said Crystal was the fourth service dog she’s seen this week - a very good sign.

---

Am now in Kentucky, and Crystal isn’t sure of what’s going on.  She did fine on the commuter flight, though there was less room and she was a lot less fond of it.  The flight was only 20 minutes, so that was a plus.  Tomorrow, I’ll take Cystal out and find some good routes for walks.

Jenna

Notes from a volunteer puppy raiser - Maya and Chloe

Yesterday I went to my elementary school with Maya and Chloe. They had both visited quite a lot last year, but this was the first visit of the new school year. We went to second grade where they had spent a lot of time before. I brought Maya there once a week and left her for a few hours with the teacher and kids so she would become accustomed to being away from me and would not be stressed by it.
Many of the kids in the class were the same ones that were in the kindergarten class when we photographed 'Eddie Goes to Kindergarten", so I brought the book to read to them without saying anything about it. Of course for a 7 year old, 2 years ago was probably not in their recent memory box, but it was fun to see a few of them start to catch on that the book was about them and their school. What really triggered it was "Pikachu", the Kindergarten guinea pig. Then they knew.



I told them about our new book project, 'Chloe is in Second Grade' and that we were going to pretend that Chloe was one of the students and would do lots of the same things they do, like shaking hands with the teacher on entering the class. They were pretty jazzed about the idea. Then we played a game - button button, who's got the button. The kids sat in a tight circle on the floor, and Maya and Chloe sat on a 'stay' in the middle. Instead of a button, we used two pieces of smoked salmon treats. The kids secretly passed the treats behind their backs, and then at the signal, brought their closed fists in front. I told Maya, 'Go find it' and she was eager to search for the treat. Of course, Chloe didn't know what was going on, so she just watched. After Maya found her treat, we helped Chloe find hers.



We have high expectations of the kids when the dogs are present, and they are so eager to have the dogs there that their behavior is remarkable. They are quiet and sensible, and are able to do their work with the dogs walking around. Of course, if they get too excited, then the dogs get excited too and it's all over.
This morning when the kids came to school, the first thing they said was, "Where's Chloe?" as they were expecting her to be a full time student. We came in later in the morning and took some pictures of her with the kids. Here are some pictures of our morning's work.

Donna

PAWSwalk

I had the pleasure of seeing two of Summit’s wonderful volunteers “in action”, at the PAWSwalk as they interacted with visitors to the Summit booth.  I missed meeting the morning crew, but I know that they also have shown this same dedication as have all of the other volunteers who have responded to Summit’s calls for help.

As a recipient of a service dog, it is profound for me to think about how many people have given in their different ways, making it possible for me to have Hayden in my life.  There are the staff, volunteers, donors and others.  It takes all of these people to hold Summit together in a way that the goal of giving assistance dogs to people like me, happens.

I used to work in non-profits and I loved the fact that the work I did benefited people who had needs that we were able to assist with.  Now, I’m in the other position.  It’s been a hard adjustment to admit that I need help and that as the days pass, the needs seem to grow and change.  The way that I am treated by everyone associated with Summit, with respect, makes it much easier to accept the gifts I have been given and continue to receive.

So, to all that support Summit in any way, thank you for your gift.  Your giving spirit is greatly appreciated by the people in my life and me.

Michelle

Notes from a volunteer puppy raiser - Eddie and the Walrus

I've been hearing a preview of a report on NPR about work and what motivates people to do it. A walrus trainer was talking about the fun of training walruses when they 'get it' and have an 'ahah!' moment. This reminded me of a time when I was training Eddie. I had been 'falling down' and then asking Eddie to 'get the phone' for me. This is a very important, even life-saving task that assistance dogs regularly do. The partner has a dedicated cordless phone which is always in the same place, and may have a handle, or a cover on it for easy carrying.

After doing this for a week or so, I 'fell' in the living room within sight of Eddie. He gave a little jump and I'm sure he smiled as he 'said' - "I know what to do. I know it! I'm supposed to get the phone right now. I can do it!" And he ran, got the phone and brought it to me with such joy, that the lightbulb over his head lit up my day, and continues to do so even now. It's kind of interesting when you think that a dog has no idea of what a phone is or what it's good for. He takes our word for it that we need it; that it's important to us, and so it's important to him. Dogs are so amazing. I suspect other animals are also amazing, and so is all of life if we only take the time to look and understand.



The photo of Eddie with the phone was taken in kindergarten in the fall of '05, and is in the 'Eddie Goes to Kindergarten' book.

Donna

Team Training - Summer 2007

Team training began August 20th and ran through August 31st. All are to be congratulated for this successful event. The three graduate teams are Joann Newman and Wiley the little hearing dog (Wiley, a mix and rescued dog); Ann Hensley and Scout (Scout, a mix and rescue dog) and Louise Zimmerman and Bailey (a yellow lab donated when he was about 8 months by the Odells).



Debbie, Sarah and Wendy were the trainers involved in team training with some help from Sue M (smile). All of us agreed the matches were terrific, the clients well prepared and everyone worked so hard. This team training went so smoothly. It never ceases to amaze me how hard the clients work to learn about dogs and become trainers themselves in two short weeks. They learn many commands, work with their dogs in practice sessions, listen to a lot of lectures, take tests and go on field trips. It is exhausting and our clients do all this despite their disabilities.



Team training is a special time because we get to know our clients. A bond is not only created between their dog partners but also with the trainers who work and socialize with these special people.



Volunteers are really appreciated during team training and help us tremendously. They acted as human dogs, helped with field trips and more. We had wonderful lunches provided by volunteers. One of the local restaurants also donated a lunch.





We really put the teams through the paces on the last day which was Friday. First, each team must pass a practical working exam which takes place in the training room. The teams do a series of complicated tasks and chained behaviors. Second we go to a busy store, Safeway, where the team must pass the ADI Public Access test which is mostly about basic obedience skills for the dog and making sure the handler has their dog under control. The third and last test is a solo test. Wendy writes out a customized plan for each team according to the needs of the client. They go off and do these things on their own like they would in "real life" using kind of like a treasure map. For example, one client was asked to go the office store and have a dog do a "go in" under a desk and then do up on a counter to receive a bag from a clerk. They might have to take the dog into a public bathroom or a certain store and do a number of tasks. They will have their dog go in an elevator and push accessible buttons to open doors or have their dog pull a heavy door open.



But Friday was kind of bittersweet. We are so proud of the teams and love seeing the bond and partnership develop between the client and their dog but it is sad too. Maybe it is a let down because we all worked so hard and are tired. Maybe it is because we have been in this intense 2 week period and around these 3 wonderful women and will miss them. And of course, there are the dogs. Debbie trained both Wiley and Scout and though I cannot speak for her I can tell you I will miss Bailey very much. I trained Bailey for 5 months. It was a short time but he won our hearts. My husband, Richard, will miss him too. Bailey Boy, who was kind of a wild nut case matured into a calm, intelligent and sweet dog. He is loving but also a goof ball which was part of his charm. He is a problem solver and a quick learner and sometimes he could figure out things before I could. I am very lucky to have had the fun of working with Bailey. We may train the dogs but the dogs teach us so much. Each one does that for us.



Congratulations to everyone involved in this team training, especially our new graduates. See you all October 7th at our Graduation.

Sarah Broderick, Trainer
Summit Assistance Dogs

Notes from a volunteer puppy raiser - Eddie

Eddie was my Summit dog in training, and my third dog to train. He regularly came to elementary school with me when I was teaching clay classes there. When the kids finished their projects and cleaned up, you could often see 10 or more of them quietly petting Eddie's big long body as he stretched out and enjoyed their attention. I asked the kindergarten teacher if we could make a story about Eddie visiting her classroom, and the beginning of a little book was born. Eddie was so good about holding things as we took his picture. He held the phone, of course, and a block, a carrot, a puppet, a paint brush, and little by little we had a story about him doing all the things the other kids did in class. His favorite activity was visiting the guinea pig, Pikachu. He was always gentle, but very excited underneath that self control.

His story, "Eddie Goes to Kindergarten" is now available in on-demand-printing. It's a small book, but a very special one to many of us. His new mom in Dallas, Texas is very excited to have the book for her canine reading therapy sessions with at-risk readers. What could be better than a young reader reading a story to a big black curly haired dog about the very same big black dog.

If you'd like to find more about our book, click here.

Look how tall Eddie is

We write stories about Eddie

Eddie gets his name on the chart of "E" words

Blog from Morgan

Well, it's Friday night and I thought I'd send out another little story of the life of SD, Morgan, dictated to Alice, human part of the team.

On Saturday mornings we go to the Dance Station where humans and their mutts dog dance. I'm the only service dog, but all of the other canines have gone to obedience school. and attended a dog dance class.

We do gigs every once in a while, like once  a month. There's a Tibetan terrier, a black dog who is old, old,old, a little snappy sheltie and two poodles, oh, and a lab/sharpei mix that thinks he's so cool....let's see did I leave anyone else out?

It's a lot of fun. We are not supposed to socialize with the other dogs or people, but just focus on our special human: for me that would be Alice. Let me tell you, it's not hard to do. She brings the best treats to dance class, and I'll do anything for a treat. I am a golden retriever, remember.

Alice has gone to two different workshops in Albuquerque, (Good spelling, Morgan!) to learn how to be a better dance partner.

In her humble opinion the best dog dance team she has seen is Carolyn Scott and her golden retriever, Rookie. (You know the routine; they dance to "You're the One That I Want" from Grease).  That was one workshop she took, from Carolyn, who suffers from post polio syndrome. You wouldn't know it watching her dance. Alice really liked that  class. The other class was just for humans to learn how to move. Some of the humans had to pretend to be dogs. :>)

In my opinion (seconded by Alice) what make Carolyn and Rookie so great is that you can tell they are both really having fun.  Rookie is totally focused on his person the whole time, and he's a dancing fool.

That's why we like dog dancing so much: it's fun for both of us.
It pushes Alice to figure out how to move with her disability and not fall over.

Some of my favorite moves are "back" "circle""spin" and "high five"!

I've danced with Alice to different tunes:"Time After Time"(that one really got to people), "Walkin' After Midnight," "Singing in the Rain," and the Beatles song, "When I'm 64."

Hey in dog years, I will almost be 64!

Soon we will have videos for you guys to watch us. Remember, we're still beginners, but we love to dance!

woof!

Morgan,
Summit Assistance Dog,
Class of 2002

Notes from a volunteer puppy raiser - Maya and the haircut

We're down to the wire here with Maya. We have 10 more days with her before we need to hand over the leash to the professional trainers. We went to Ft. Flagler again the past 4 days for her last vacation with us. Our RV was in prime waterfront position and we had many beautiful views, starting with a bald eagle circling overhead for some time. Sunsets were fantastic, as was the weather.




Maya is now wearing a bark collar, as she has been getting too talkative. She quickly figured out what was going on with the citronella spray. There is a tiny microphone in the tiny spray box which is positioned at the front of her throat. When she gives a good bark, it releases a fine mist of citronella which is harmless but unpleasant to dogs. She has learned to give one quiet, low bark instead of the usual energetic barking. It's quiet enough that it doesn't trigger the spray. She doesn't bother barking at the neighbor dogs any more - what's the fun if you can't do a good job of it?

I'll keep you all posted on her progress, even after she's gone, because Sue promises to do the same for me.




The picture of the two dogs and the haircut is a puzzle. There is really only one dog in the picture. What is the second "dog"?

That's all for now, folks, Donna et al.