Earlier this semester, I had the joy of receiving my 4 Paws dog, Merry.
Having a 4-month-old Goldendoodle is such a joyful experience! She is full of energy and curiosity, which leads to playful antics and sweet surprises.
This smart pup loves to please, making training fun. However, her short attention span means keeping sessions brief. Watching the adorable clumsiness and those hilarious zoomies is pure joy. While it's all fun and games, I must remember that potty training is still a work in progress and takes time, especially since she's having to come along with my busy schedule!
A little patience goes a long way during this stage, but the joy this little one brings makes it all worth it! It can be challenging sometimes, but the companionship and watching Merry grow are incredibly rewarding!
Being a primary handler for 4 Paws for Ability is a fulfilling and transformative experience. When I first heard about 4 Paws from people at the Involvement Fair, I saw it as an opportunity to give back to my community and play with a puppy! I did not know all the challenges I would have to face. You will spend time training the dog to meet the child's specific needs, which fosters a deep bond between the dog, the handler, and the family the dog will eventually live with.
As a handler, I often share in numerous heartwarming moments, witnessing first-hand how the dog can ease anxiety, promote social connections, and provide comfort. The role also involves a commitment to ongoing education and training, both for the dog and yourself, ensuring that you're always equipped to support the child effectively.
Taking care of Merry has limited my social life and spontaneity, as I have to plan around her needs. Integrating a dog into college life can be challenging, especially in places where pets aren't allowed, and you have to advocate for your Service Dog in Training (SDiT). Caring for a dog requires physical effort, which can be exhausting when I have to wake up at 5am to go on a run so she'll behave for my morning classes. While waking up so early is a challenge, I still find the experience rewarding and impactful.
4 Paws for Ability is an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing them with trained assistance dogs. Their mission focuses on empowering children and their families by facilitating increased independence, fostering social interaction, and improving overall well-being. Through the partnership with specially trained service dogs, they aim to support children with various needs, including autism spectrum disorders, mobility challenges, and other developmental disabilities.
Overall, being a primary handler is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families, creating a supportive environment where the dog and child can thrive.
