During my surgery, they found numerous crushed vertebrae. I now have titanium plates, rods and screws holding that together. It also resulted in nerve damage from my lower back all the way down both legs. So in 2008, my doctor told me I would never again be able to do what I loved and was put on disability. She was the one who suggested I look into Canine Companions for Independence.
I denied needing the assistance for a long time, but I eventually did apply. I believe that was over 3 years ago. Since then, I’ve had numerous surgeries, including two total knee replacements--one of which was an accident made by a resident resulting in a second surgery two days later. And then 6 weeks ago, another surgery by a different hospital system to fix an additional issue with that same knee. Needless to say, bending and kneeling are not activities that I excel at. My biggest issue is mobility. I am ambulatory, but occasionally fall from the nerve damage and atrophy.
In February 2016, my wife divorced me, leaving me homeless. I have no family and no children. When I got the call from Canine Companions about a possible assistance dog, I was really torn. I wasn’t sure I had the resources to care for a dog and definitely didn’t have the money to stay in a hotel for two weeks plus food and gas during our training period. I actually told my instructor no. I can’t afford to do it.
I mentioned the opportunity to get a Canine Companions assistance dog to a friend on Facebook, and that was the beginning of the miracle. This young lady refused to let me give up. She and two other woman insisted on paying for my hotel for my entire stay in Delaware, Ohio, and sent me gas cards and food cards. I called the instructor at Canine Companions back and told her I would be there.
So, on February 4th, I met the amazing staff of Canine Companions for Independence at the North Central Regional Training Center in Delaware, Ohio. Then I met Lakota.
Lakota means "friend". Exactly what I needed. We spent two weeks during team training working together. I knew Lakota was the one. I was also blessed to have met other potential graduates. Everyone was so kind and friendly. When I was told that I now have a surrogate family, I didn’t really believe that would be the case. But I was wrong.
When I told Eric, Canine Companions' Graduate Program Manager, of my upcoming surgery, and that I didn’t have anyone to care for Lakota, he assured me that Canine Companions would make accommodations to have someone help with Lakota's needs. An incredible young lady, Emily Cikra volunteered to watch Lakota during my hospital stay. There were also two of my classmates that came and visited me for two separate weekends. Amazing kind loving families. I really enjoyed the company and Lakota loved seeing his old buddies, one of which was his brother Layton. I’ve also received numerous cards and care packages.
Canine Companions for Independence is an incredible group of people that have welcomed me with open arms. I’m not used to that, but the timing couldn’t have been better. Lakota’s help after the surgery was and is priceless. He also motivates me to keep healing, physically and spiritually. I need to walk him, but I also need his kisses. I never imagined at 48 years old that my life would change so much and so fast. But then I remember the saying “ If you want to hear God laugh, tell him 'your' plans”.
Lakota is my life and the “little man” I was never able to have. He’s my everything. A perfect pure little soul. And I don’t think dog backwards is God. I know that’s a little silly. But I think God uses dogs to watch over us.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the amazing puppy raiser family that took care of Lakota for the first year and a half of his life: Chris and Harold McHenry and their two beautiful daughters Grace and Lauren. They are lovely people. We keep in touch and I hope to see them soon.
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