[Marcia Drost]

I was writing a newsletter for our monthly Brazos valley Parkinson’s support group, trying to find information on the latest meds, gadgets to help balance, eat, get out of bed, etc. when I found an article about two women with service dogs attending a conference.  Started doing research about service dogs and luckily while having lunch at Panara Bread, I spotted two ladies on the patio having lunch with two service dog puppies in training. I immediately went out to ask them whole lot of questions and I was so impressed by the organization they were working with, canine companions for independence, CCI.org  They also recommended I read Jason Morgan’s book, A DOG CALLED HOPE. The group provides a fully trained service dog who’s two years old and graduates with 42 commands. You attend team training for two weeks to learn about handling a service dog, caring for the dog, and the requirements to have the dog. There is no charge, for the dog, for the two week stay at their training facility, for the extensive training. What impressed me most was they said if I needed the dog to have another skill that was not already taught, they would help me train the dog.  Since my Parkinson’s is progressive and I don’t know what I’m gonna actually need in five years compared to when I applied, that convinced me to apply. 13 months later I got an invitation to training camp, and two weeks later I graduated with Sadie by my side.  She will work till she is ten and then retire as a pet and I’ll receive another service dog. Sadie has been with me for doctor visits, in the ER, picks up things I drop, pushes elevator buttons so I can keep both hands on my walker, and so much more!  Check out their website if you are considering a service dog – and tell them Marcia Drost sent you.

[Marcia Drost]

I tried the silk sheets only to find when tossing and turning in bed, I ended up falling on the floor.  Not a good option for me.   Marcia