Ann Partridge and Mobility Assist Dog Kirby
Ann Partridge, of New Haven, Minn., is an outgoing and social person who loves antiquing and visiting flea markets. But fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis have made the pursuit of these interests difficult. Ann’s condition has left her in constant pain in multiple areas, including her knees, hips, neck, hands and back.
In addition, Ann has had a total replacement of both knees and undergone two neck surgeries to fuse vertebrae. This has compounded her pain and left her with limited mobility.
“Bending over is the worst, because that starts my back up again,” says Ann. “Sometimes I get a bit dizzy when I bend over, so I try not to do that too much.”
These problems are especially frustrating for Ann, because her conditions make it difficult to go out on her own in public. While her husband and two sons are happy to help, Ann wants to be independent, especially when she is alone.
“Having my independence back would be great,” says Ann. “Getting help without asking for it would be awesome.”
Enter Mobility Assist Dog Kirby.
Thanks to Kirby, a two-year-old black Labrador retriever, Ann’s ability to go out in public independently has returned. Kirby is right by her side steadying Ann as she walks, retrieving dropped items, or fetching help when needed. Not only does Kirby provide the help Ann needs physically, but he also restores Ann’s confidence.
“I’m less afraid to go out in public,” says Ann. Before, if I were to drop something … how would I pick it up? If I fell on the ice … who’s going to get help? Those worries have become a thing of the past.”
And while her family has always been happy to lend a hand, Ann doesn’t like being a burden. Kirby takes the weight off of her family’s shoulders.
“It takes a load off my family, because they’re not constantly picking things up for me,” says Ann.
Ann is appreciative of all those who have given of both their time and money to bring Kirby into her life. She recognizes the emotional toll that must exist for those who trained, and then had to part ways, with Kirby.
“I’ve thought about that over time, and what do you say to them?” Ann wonders. “The tremendous amount of time they put in to him, and then to have to give him up. I don’t know if I could do that. It takes special people to do that.”
The financial aspect of receiving an assistance dog is another factor that she recognizes.
“That is the most awesome thing,” notes Ann. “My cousin had to get another dog, and she ended up paying $12,000 for hers. There’s no way we could have done that.”
Because of Kirby, independence has returned to Ann’s life.
Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:
Puppy Raiser: Melissa & Brian Hanson
Short & Long-term Foster Homes: The Hollerud Family; The Inmate Handlers at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Faribault
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