Hi, 

I wanted to tell you a little more about Wendy.  About 3 months ago when my family was talking about getting an assist dog I said that there were three things that I had to OK or it was a no go.  First she had to be female, second, she had to be blond and I got to name her. When we went to see her when she was a week old, the first two were a done deal.  The third, didn't happen right away.  After a few hours I was asked what her name was going to be.  I replied "Wendy" of course.  You have to understand my physical therapist for the past 5 years has been Wendy.  She was quite thrilled with the idea of having my assist dog named after her.  The two Wendy's seem to understand and my assist dog seems to know when she is there.  

Wendy is now 12 weeks old and growing fast.  We have had her here at home for the past 3 weeks.  She has learned many new things.  We already have another dog.  She is a miniature poodle and is 13 years old.  Wendy has already learned to respect her.  Wendy would rather have Tara play with her but gets growled at.  She has a vest that says she is a Service Dog.  We try to take her whenever we go someplace.  She is completely different with her Service Dog vest on that when she is at home playing.  She sleeps in a cage that is in our bedroom.  She hasn't learned to like it yet, but she tolerates it.  

For those of you who don't know she is an English Lab.  She will weigh about 60 pounds when fully grown.  When she is more than 9 months old we will return to the kennel and all 3 of us will be trained.  Her biggest job will be to lift up my arms from a down position placing them on my lap or on the arm of the chair I am sitting in.  Of course there will be many other things she will be taught, such as, turning on/off lights, opening/closing doors, carrying groceries in from car and many other chores, yet to be decided upon.  

I have never had a dog of my own.  There have always been animals in my life.  This time is sure different already.  By the way, I am in an electric wheelchair most of the time.  My balance is off thus walking is tough and stairs almost impossible.  I have been in an electric wheel chair about 3 years now, purchased by Medicare, when I broke my leg about 3 years ago.  Most people who have been diagnosed similarly to me aren't here long enough to enjoy a Service Dog.  I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago with end in sight.  

For some reason, some people I have been an example to others.  Maybe it's just what is planned for me to do.  We will see what tomorrow brings.

Jerry