Dora: The Amazing Service Dog

Dora completed training to be my service dog this week. My father and I went to pick her up and then drove on to Birmingham for a nice lunch. I go up for some extra training on Monday.

Over the past two years, many have asked me the following question; "Just what do you think a service dog will be able to do for you?"  I would always answer," The dog would be able to predict some attacks, which would give me some warning before I faint. Dora knew this immediately. The dog would be able to go with me everywhere and thus provide greater independence. The dog would also be a good ambassador and source of emotional support"  I have had more than one doctor tell me, "It sounds like you just want a dog." I actually have a dog- a standard poodle named Max. He is good, but he isn't a service dog.

The truth is that Dora has exceeded all of my expectations- from the the day I met her, she knew when  I was about to faint. In fact, she picked me. I am usually able to get down to the floor before fainting, or if she doesn't catch the attack, she immediately comes to me and stays with me until it is over. She will not let me get up if she thinks I will fall again. I am no longer afraid of walking down the street and fainting because I know Dora will alert. Earlier this summer, I was walking home from the gym and fainted on my way home. Some very nice maintaince guys from the college across the street gave me a ride home in their golf cart. Fifteen minutes later, a professor was at my door to make sure I was ok and wouldn't sue. 20 minutes later, I got a phone call from my parents telling me that I had scared the college. Now that Dora is with me, I can walk with confidence. As exercise seems to help my condition, this is good for both of us. Service dogs or not, all dogs need walks. Needless to say, I learned a great deal from the Dog Whisperer. Dora also goes to volunteer with me at an elementary school. She will be helping some of the kindergartners there to read. She is a good ambassador for service dogs and for me. People also do not freak out as much when I have Dora with me and under federal law, I can no longer be called a liability.

I still faint a great deal anywhere from 5-20 times on an average day. But Dora has helped be alerting and by allowing greater independence. The headaches are still horrendous, but she knows when they are bad as well. Everything that people say about animals calming you down is true.

As we embark on this adventure, I hope to spread the word and gain even more independence. Dora stories will also be added to the blog from time to time.