Nate and I went to meet Robert Eaton II, a Band Director at San Marcos Baptist Academy and a student at Texas State University. Robert wanted to meet Nate to see
if he could potentially be his Service Dog.

We flew in for one night and went straight to school. Nate seemed to enjoy it and he even wanted to sing along. lol He especially liked the violin and the drums.

Nate did not want to leave when the time came and I know he is looking forward to his next visit.

Robert's Mom, Debbie was very sweet and Nate sucked up to her too. His Aunt Darci was a gracious host and put me up for the night.

At the Academy Dr. Hiebert and Dr. Munson were supportive and liked Nate. With such
a strong support group and the instant bond between Robert and Nate, I think Nate has found his human.

See photos and read Robert's and his Mom's stories below.

Robert's Story:

My name is Robert R. Eaton II. I am a twenty five year old student, band director and musician. I live in San Marcos, Texas. On April 20, 2006 I underwent brain surgery for a congenital condition. There were complications with the surgery that left me completely paralyzed on my right side. To this day no one can explain what caused this to occur.
I spent one week in ICU, one week in the regular hospital, four months in a live in rehabilitation hospital, and three and one half months in a day rehabilitation day program. During this time I slowly began to regain use of my right hand. I still have no use of my right leg. I returned to live with my mother after my hospitalization. I was unable, at that time to take care of myself, every thing I needed or did required assistance. While in day therapy my physical therapist decided that a brace (hip, knee, ankle, foot orthotic) might be beneficial in assisting me to stand, After much hard work on my stamina the brace worked well, allowing me to stand and walk short distances. Since rehab I have returned to teaching music. I was able to return to college at Texas State University, where I am pursuing my Bachelor’s of Music in Education and Teaching Certification (all levels), after
getting a power chair and having my vehicle modified. In September, 2006, I moved back into my on place, discovering how much independence I still lacked. At home I am able to do some walking as long as I have my brace on. I generally do not walk in public for safety purposes unless it is very small distances. I need help with laundry, general housecleaning, grocery shopping, and PICKING UP things that I drop, etc.

While in the Rehab Hospital I met a person who had a service dog. We spoke extensively about the pros and cons of owning a dog. I have come to realize that a service dog would help me achieve the independence I aspire .

On April 17, 2007, Allie and Nate came to see me in San Marcos; we had a great time! We started the day out by going to Jason’s Deli. Nate enjoyed getting out of the track and watching us eat. We then went to school where I teach ;Nate watched me teach the drummers how to stay on beat with eager intent to help.
When I went up to the front of the class to conduct a couple of songs, I forgot to take Nate. After a minute or two I look back to see Nate grabbing his leash to accompany me at the front. After school we taught a tenor saxophone lesson and Nate seemed to enjoy that , but it was followed by a Soprano Saxophone lesson witch he (and I) did not enjoy so
much. That evening Allie, Nate and I met my mom and went to Mamacitas Restaurant
were Nate fell fast asleep while the rest of us enjoyed our dinner. All through the day and evening Nate looked to Allie making sure it was OK to help me. By the end of the evening Nate and I took Allie to my aunt’s house to spend the night and we went back to my house to bond. After Nate and I got comfortable watching TV my Phone rang falling off the night stand and onto the floor. Without hesitation Nate jumped down and got my phone and handed it to me. When we woke up the next morning Nate watched me get dressed helping me when my clothes were out of reach . After his breakfast we went to my truck when I dropped my key. Again without hesitation he picked it up and handed it to me.
After Picking up Allie from my aunt’s house we went to the college I attend to show Nate and Allie. Upon arriving back to the school that I teach we stopped for a photo op. in front of the school entrance. Then it was off to class. We got Nate some cotton balls to put in his ears to prevent any long term damage that might occur from the loud noises that middle schoolers call music. It was a little more difficult to get him to respond because I did not know all the hand signals, but as soon as I learned them we were cool. After going through class we had some very special visitors that spoke to my previous students while Allie and the student's Mom started a conversation. When that was done it was to the cafeteria to have lunch with Dr. Hiebert and Dr. Munson. Walking to the cafeteria all you hear were “look at the big black dog”, or “that’s a big dog, cool.” After lunch it was unfortunately time to go back to the airport. I had a great time with Nate and Allie and can’t wait for
them to come back.

Robert's Mom's story:

My name is Debbie and my son is Robert. Two years ago this April Robert had brain surgery. He developed complications in the recovery room resulting in his right side being paralyzed. Prior to his surgery Robert had lead a full active “normal” life. He was a full time student at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and music/band instructor
at a private school. After many months of inpatient hospitalization/therapy Robert moved back home with me to continue out patient therapy. This required traveling 40 miles one way on a daily basis to nearby Austin and all day therapy.
Through all of this time Robert never faltered, continuing to strive for improvement.
Today Robert is able to walk short distances with the help of a knee, hip, ankle, foot brace; however most of his time is spent in a wheelchair. He has regained use of his right hand and has been able to return to playing his beloved saxophone. He has also been able to
return to taking classes and teaching. In September, 2007 Robert moved out of my home into his own place. This has been a wonderful thing for him, but he has found many things difficult if not impossible for him to do.
Not long ago he began to talk about the possibility of a service dog. Robert is a very thorough person, researching all avenues and I knew that he had been “thinking” of this for quite some time. He contacted Allie at My Service Dog, Inc. and she responded immediately. They discussed the possibility of Nate being a good dog for Robert and before I knew it Allie and Nate were flying to San Marcos for a visit!
I admit I was skeptical at first. I knew, through doing my own research, that most people must wait a minimum of two years for the “perfect” companion. However, I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason. From the moment that I saw Nate and Robert
together I realized that they were meant for each other. Each, in their own way, lit up when together. I spent the evening with Robert, Nate and Allie observing them getting to know each other. Nate and Robert spent the night together and all went well.
Allie and Nate flew home this afternoon. Robert took them to the airport and immediately called me - he has not stopped talking about the future with Nate yet! Like I said before -
I believe things happen for a reason and I believe that Robert and Nate were meant for each other.
Robert and I both look forward to Nate visiting again and becoming a permanent member of our family. Thanks to Allie for bringing him into our lives!