New Chapters for Emily and Lewis

By Mary Gunderson - 

Emily and Mobility Assist Dog Lewis see eye-to-eye…and have every day since they met. She spotted him first, but “he greeted me right away, so friendly and snuggly.” Ever since meeting in April, Emily relishes the moments when the two have locked eyes, she adoring her curly white companion. “It’s like he’s staring into my soul,” she says.

Emily has several chronic illnesses, including a primary immunodeficiency; and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which causes connective tissue issues and pain. Aside from the physical symptoms, their ongoing, unpredictable natures can lead to anxiety attacks. For seven years, Emily had an Emotional Support Animal, a Yorkie/Maltese mix. Then, in 2022, she interviewed with Can Do Canines, needing an anti-allergen Standard Poodle. Although it took a while, Lewis was more than worth the wait. “I can’t believe how focused and willing to help he is,” she said. 

For example, when Emily needs juice to raise her blood sugar, she gives the trained command. Lewis springs to action, delivering to her a lunch bag containing a juice box next to his kennel. Emily’s appreciative description: “He carries it carefully, by the edge!”

Teams initially get to know each other at the Can Do Canines campus, learning to communicate and interact with each other effectively. The training continues after the duo is home together. One day, Emily was finishing the training session when she asked out loud, “What am I missing?” Lewis trotted over to Emily’s emergency help button. “That’s it!” Emily laughed and paid in treats. “It’s his favorite thing, but no treats unless I tell him to do it.”

While Lewis was trained for such tasks as getting meds or picking up dropped items, Emily feels more connected all the time with Lewis by her side. “When we go out, he’s Mr. Lewis, so dapper, wearing a bowtie,” she says. Emily feels more confident going shopping, to the doctor, out to eat, and socializing. When she ushers at her church, Lewis is beside her.

Lewis is still learning, too. For their first pontoon boat ride, Emily had the chance to help Lewis through his reluctance to transfer to the boat. “He was fine with the dock but a little nervous on the ride.” Now he happily gets on the boat to go for a ride. A new task is on the schedule—he’s been chosen as the ring bearer when Emily gets married in June 2024.

Emily also loves how adaptable and well-versed Lewis is. “The trainers teach the right things,” she says. “I look forward to the years to come and how our relationship grows. Lewis has changed my life in so many ways, and there’s more to come.”

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Raisers — Pat & Dee Dee Heffernan