Katie and Lilah: From Fear to Freedom

By Alyssa Jackson - 

Katie’s first impression of her new Mobility Assist Dog, Lilah, was “a sweetheart.” Both Katie and Lilah were full of excitement to finally start working together. Katie says, “It was such a fun experience seeing … how willing she was to help me.” Lilah is a black Labrador Retriever with large ears and big puppy eyes. Katie enjoyed seeing clever Lilah respond to her commands as they trained together, and she was impressed by how quickly Lilah learned exactly what she needed.

Katie lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disease that causes progressive weakness of the muscles. Like most of those diagnosed with SMA, Katie’s arms and legs are greatly affected. She uses a power chair to move around, but limited mobility and muscle function also make it difficult for Katie to meet her other needs on her own.

Speaking about her life before receiving an assistance dog, Katie shares, “I would rely on other people for everything.” If she couldn’t reach something she needed, she would need someone else to help her out. For Katie, “there is always a fear that I will drop my phone, leading to me not being able to call for help or for assistance.” These worries weighed on Katie, and relying on others for help was limiting her ability to live an independent life.

All of that changed when a friend with SMA  introduced Katie to Can Do Canines. Katie had never owned a dog before, so she was a little worried about caring for her assistance dog properly. She didn’t know how an assistance dog would handle being left alone if Katie went out by herself. Still, she knew she would benefit from a Mobility Assist Dog’s help. Katie reached out to Can Do Canines and soon began the process of getting an assistance dog of her own.

Katie and Lilah have become fast friends, and Katie was soon reassured that she and Lilah could meet each others’ needs. Whether she is at home, at her advertising office, or visiting family and friends, Katie can attest that Lilah is ready to help. “She adapted really well to my schedule,” Katie says, adding that Lilah “has loved everyone that she’s come in contact with.”

Late one night, Katie’s fears came true. She dropped her phone, with no one around to help. But this time, she had Lilah. Lilah picked up the phone and safely gave it back to Katie. Thanks to Lilah, Katie doesn’t need to worry about dropping important objects.

Lilah is also trained to open and close doors, lift Katie’s foot onto her power chair’s footrest, and even unload the washing machine! Lilah also assists Katie in her workplace and while shopping. “[Lilah] has helped me grab things in stores, and it’s so much fun,” Katie says.

Katie’s connection with Lilah is full of enthusiasm and love. She reflects, “We have a great bond and I can always trust her.”

Lilah’s assistance and companionship have significantly affected Katie’s life and independence. With Lilah’s help, Katie no longer has to count on other people to assist her.

“Living alone now seems possible,” Katie says. And with such a sweetheart for a helper, Katie will never be lonely!

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:
Whelping Home — Sheryll Fonseth-Lais
Raisers — The Norton-Bower Family
Special Thanks — Jackson Correctional Institution, Stanley Correctional Institution