Irwin Helps Emme Find Solace

By Debbie Surman - 

Many of us take for granted what we think are small things in life like driving, picking up things we drop, or even doing laundry. Yes, laundry for most, is a chore, but what if doing it was not only a chore but dangerous too?

Nineteen-year-old Emme has two genetic disorders: one affecting her mitochondria; the other, a connective tissue disorder, and just before eighth grade, she suffered a head injury, causing additional issues. By tenth grade, Emme began realizing the impact her disabilities would have on her life. By her second semester of college, she was taking medical leave and unable to live independently.

Emme’s fingers dislocate easily, and she passes out unexpectedly, making leaving the house difficult. If she wanted to go out, she was “always looking for a friend” to pick her up. After all, she admits that as a teen, she “didn’t want to be dropped off somewhere by Mom and Dad!” Additionally, she could only enjoy herself for about three hours before she’d become “so symptomatic” she’d need to return home.

Emme wanted to regain as much of her life as she could, so she began “a lot of investigative Googling” and connected with a Can Do Canines client who demonstrated how much help her dog was to her. Emme was so impressed with the dog’s knowledge and abilities that she reached out to Can Do Canines hoping to have an assistance dog of her own. She says, “just knowing that you have a dog on the way is so encouraging and really motivating.”

Enter Irwin, a regal black Labrador Mobility Assist dog. Emme says, “He’s SO healthy, stable, and confident. I honestly have more confidence in his confidence in new environments than my own, and he tolerates anything.” Emme says, “Irwin is amazing! Not only does he love to work but he's fun, playful, very expressive, has the cutest snores, and is goofy. Irwin’s wiggly, happy-go-lucky personality brightens even the darkest of rooms. 

The work that Irwin loves includes retrieving things for Emme, helping with laundry, and providing counter-balance assistance when Emme is walking. Emme says, “Irwin has brought me endless amounts of freedom with the assistance he provides daily.” When Irwin is relaxed, so is Emme. With him by her side, helping to keep her safe, she has gained the confidence to go out and do things on her own. She even obtained her driver’s license. She says, “Going out with Irwin for the first time was the coolest feeling.” They go everywhere together now, even to car meets that Emme loves so much. Irwin is such a hit and always getting treats that he now thinks he gets a treat anytime he hears a car rev, even when they’re simply driving with the windows open!

Due to these accomplishments, Emme says to those involved with Can Do Canines, “Thank you for giving me my life back and giving everyone else who surrounds me and supports me the peace of mind that I will be OK when I walk out the door. I can go to [the store] and won’t end up on the floor in the bread aisle passed out because my heart rate got too high.”

Emme does get excited when talking about Irwin, though. “I love the times I get to brag about him because I am SO proud of him! I’ve received countless compliments on his behavior, for which I give all credit to those who raised and trained him throughout his time at Can Do Canines!”

Emme’s diagnoses are incurable, but now she feels hopeful about her future. She shares, “People don’t realize how life-changing these dogs are. Dealing with health issues can be very isolating, and [assistance dogs] provide companionship as well as assistance.” She adds, “Those with dynamic disabilities need dynamic dogs that can change and adapt with them. Irwin can go from a quiet home to a bustling public place, adapting perfectly in any given situation. I can confidently say that there has been a noticeable improvement in my quality of life and overall happiness since my little PAWtner has entered my life.”

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Whelping Home — Kolleen Herr
Great Start Home — The Mannings
Puppy Raiser — Jackson Correctional Institution
Special Thanks — Greg Brown
Team Sponsor — Michael Rose