Hi.  I recently graduated with my Golden Retriever from Canine Helpers.  Sage has proven beneficial to my physical needs.  While still in training at the Center, I learned how valuable he is and will be in the near future. 

      My disability affects muscles, progressive deterioration.  While living independently, I use a power chair, walker or cane to get the job done.  I found my condition worsens when I use the chair as muscles aren’t being utilized.  Sage keeps me active, retarding muscle atrophy.

          My disease, M.J.D., a rare hereditary neurological disorder, has me looking at the ground in order to keep my balance when walking, and a hand on a fixed object when standing.  While doing public work at the Center, I noticed how comfortable I was when I took my eyes off the ground and looked around – walking or standing.  The fear of falling has greatly diminished.  I can now look people in the eye, look for traffic before I get to a crosswalk, (instead of walking, stopping, bracing myself, then looking and finally walking again).  These steps were unconsciously fluid a couple years ago.   Sage’s presence has given this fluid movement back to me.

      Other examples of Sage’s benefit to me are retrieval of household objects (phone, dropped items), assistance in taking my pants off, and many others.

      Thanks to everyone at Canine Helpers, to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and to all who are making Sage’s training possible for me.  Your generous support is a blessing and very much appreciated.