What does one say about the half of oneself? I find it hard to separate Jack’s (my therapy dog) actions from mine. Over the years we have become a team that thinks with one mind.
Let me explain: I was diagnosed 11 years ago. What started off as a slight tremor in one finger has progressed to all limb all-encompassing ailment that has made getting around extremely difficult.
10 years ago, as my balance and walking ability got worse and after some research, I settled on a service dog with a focus on mobility and balance. “Joys of Living” service dogs in Salem, OR had such a program. I applied for and received a service dog named Jack. The last eight years Jack and I have worked together to accomplish the act of walking smoothly. He is there to balance my unsteady body with pace, pulls and sidesteps. The short leash connection supplies my brain with the needed sensory information as to where I am in context to the ground. This gives me freedom to move when I am trapped inside my own body, unable to take that next step. Jack has become an integrated, essential part of my functioning self.
Recently Jack and I have been working together to expand my work out to the gym. Up to this date I have used the safety of the water to mitigate my balance issues. Kimberly Berg and her programs have worked with Jack and I to make this happen. Between her determination, Jack and my ingenuity, we have made it work. Kimberly keeps inspiring us and I think we keep surprising her. All in all, I think the three of us have created something that can be used for others yet to come.
Steve Vandyke