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Independence Thanks To Man's Best
Friend
- Man's best friend is
helping many people in doggone amazing ways
- A number of people use dogs as their
eyes to help guide them. People in wheelchairs are also finding
dogs to be a blessing as useful companions.
- For example, Corinne Spencer, a junior
at the University of Montana, shares her room with her friend,
Rosie. Rosie, a 56-pound Border Collie, helps Spencer maintain
her independence. Shortly after her sophomore year of high
school in July 1994, she fell from the second story balcony of
her house, breaking her neck and leaving her paralyzed.
- "In those brief
moments, I went from being a headstrong teenager who was just
gaining her full independence, to a 16-year-old girl who was completely
dependent on those around her," Spencer said.
- Spencer's drive
for independence paved the way for a special program at the Northern
California Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento, Calif.
She was admitted to Shriners for spinal cord injury rehabilitation
in 1994. She came with one wish-to acquire an assistance
dog.
- Working in
partnership with a non-profit organization called Loving Paws
Assistance Dogs, Spencer was matched with Rosie.
- Spencer
recently reflected on how her life has changed with Rosie. "Today,
I sit in my dorm room at the University of Montana. In just a
few minutes, Rosie will open the door for me and we will leave
for class," Spencer said. "Once again, Rosie will help make
my life as independent and normal as possible."
- There are
22 Shriners Hospitals for Children, offering excellent, no-cost
medical care to children with orthopaedic problems or burn
injuries.
- To refer a child to Shriners Hospitals,
call toll-free
- 1-800-237-5055 in the U.S.
- or 1-800-361-7256 in Canada.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Healthy Relationship
Furry Friends for physically disabled or
hearing/visually impaired
Life Of A Working Dog.
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