In 2005, my daughter Caitlin suffered an injury that caused paralysis of her left leg. It was an extremely hard time for her and our entire family. I watched as she struggled to learn to walk again. I also saw how she struggled to get around places that were definitely not wheelchair friendly. I observed as Caitlin’s peers began to shun her at school. I also saw how difficult it was for her to manage her cane while carrying school books and trying to open a door.
So it would definitely be an understatement to say that I was less than supportive when she decided that she needed the assistance of a service dog. I just could not imagine how she would handle a 95 pound dog in addition to everything else she was dealing with. I wondered how she would be treated by her peers and the other people in our community.
Caitlin insisted that this was the right path to take. She insisted that this would be helpful to her daily life. Eventually I consented assuming that when confronted with the additional work Caitlin would eventually move on with her life without the assistance of a service dog.
Well it’s been almost three years since this journey began and today as I write this I am ashamed to say that I was less than supportive of my daughter’s dream. It was a lot of hard work, but Caitlin was very determined and that determination has definitely paid off. Caitlin has taught her service dog Badger how to help her walk, how to help her stand up, how to pull her wheelchair and how to support her back when she is siting on the floor. Badger has given Caitlin independence, self-esteem and helped her to forge new friendships. Most importantly, Badger has made Caitlin extremely happy.
Maybe you have a child with a disability. Maybe you wonder if a service dog is the right answer for your child. Maybe you are as skeptical as I once was. While I will admit that service dogs are not for everyone, if I could go back to the day my daughter asked me if she could have a service dog I would answer that question by saying “Absolutely, that is a fantastic idea!”.
There is one more thing I think you should know. I have asked god many, many times to send us a miracle and heal my daughter’s leg. I realized a few years ago that while he did not give me the answer I had hoped for he did send Caitlin an answer to my prayers. He sent her this wonderful dog and all the fantastic adventures that come with traveling the world with such a beautiful friend. For that I am truly grateful.
