| My Service Dog, Inc. "Making A Difference Four Paws At A Time" |
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| Bailey in Kroger 6 1/2 months old |
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| Joey is only 2 years old yet he has been through more in those short years than most people experience in their entire life. Born a preemie at only 25 weeks, his twin brother passed away at 5 months old, Joey was in the hospital for the first 4 months of his life. He battled lung and breathing issues, infection scares, the most severe brain bleed causing hydrocephalus and long term brain damage, one heart surgery at 2 days old, 4 eye surgeries, a hernia repair, 2 brain surgeries, a multitude of ambulance rides back to the hospital and countless needle pokes and IV’s. Long-term, Joey struggles with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness, communication problems, paralyzed vocal cord, kyphosis of the spine, pulmonary issues and overall developmental delay. We are constantly monitoring his shunt to make sure it is functioning as he’s already had one replacement surgery. As his parents, we were told on multiple occasions that Joey’s life would not be viable and if he did survive through this “preemie-hospital” phase, he would most likely be of little quality and low function. Today, at two years old, this little boy, this amazing little boy is rolling, trying his best to communicate his desires (which we are learning together), identifying body parts when asked, holding his own bottle, trying to sit up on his own, sitting in a wheelchair, using a stander, bearing weight on his legs, smiling and laughing constantly, playing instruments (banging on them mostly). He loves music more than anything and is one of the most determined little boys I’ve ever seen. He desperately wants to move, to talk, to be active, to be ALIVE and live his life to the fullest. Although not a fan of his little sister, she has motivated him to roll (away from her mostly) and he does fine comfort in her presence when we are away from home. Thank goodness because he’s about to get a second little sister. Joey loves his independence and so we are trying to help him find this independence in a new area. |
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We first met Adam in April, 2001 through Allie Keaton of My Service Dog. Adam is a beautiful smart Labradoodle trained by Allie and he can do amazing things. We met at Chili’s Restaurant and Adam was so quiet and still sitting under the table that I almost forgot he was there. We then went to Target and saw Adam place things in our cart, open doors, and eventually take off my husband’s sock and shoe, by request of course. When Joey met Adam, he was immediately at peace with him, interested, not scared or agitated. Being blind and developmentally delayed, Joey has extreme sensitivity issues, but not with Adam. Joey actually wanted Adam next to him, he was curious. As parents, we knew that this was the perfect plan for Joey, his own dog, a best friend to motivate and encourage him, not like his parents, but independently. |
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We Need Volunteers for upcoming events - Reliant Dog Show July 21 - 24