3 minute read
When the Call for Help is Answered: The Beginning
story by Hannah Magrum photos by Amy Barnes
My journey began four years ago when I started the application process to receive placement of a service dog.
A service dog will change my ability to function, because I have a form of neuropathy that was diagnosed during my third pregnancy.
Doctors determined that I had something called Charcot Marie Tooth, and as a result I now use various mobility aids in order to move.
My diagnosis has not held me back, I am a parent, wife, business owner, active in the community, and I speak nationally.
Even though I have various mobility aids, such as my wheelchair, I still rely on assistance to do certain things, like pick things up, in various aspects of my life.
As someone who has been independent the majority of her life, it was quite an adjustment to go from being independent to having to rely on assistance in completing certain tasks.
I wanted to retain my independence but knew it would require support I did not currently have in place.
That was when I started researching if a service dog might be a good fit since it requires a level of commitment that other assistive devices or supports may not require.
Ultimately after a lot of research, I decided a service dog could be a good fit for the support I needed.
I applied for a service dog through the ability center of Toledo as they train service dogs to do certain tasks that other organizations that train service dogs did not do.
The application process started with filling out an application, having my physician complete paperwork, a home visit, and in-person interview to determine if I would be a good candidate to receive a service dog.
After four years (some delays were caused by the COVID pandemic shutdown), I was notified that I matched with a service dog in training named Robbie.
Robbie is named after Margot Robbie who, in her spare time when she’s not filming major blockbuster movies, is a disability advocate, particularly in the area of inclusive housing.
My team training with Robbie will begin this month. It will be during the team training that we will finally get to see if we truly are a match for each other.
Come along with us on our journey each month, as Robbie and I form a team that I am sure will be filled with ups and downs as we build a bond and learn to trust each other to become a successful team.
Next month, the story continues.
Read more in the April 2024 issue of Joy of Medina County Magazine!
