What a great story, Murray. Today, there was a segment on Oprah Winfrey
about the fireman who rescued a dog in fast flowing waters. When I saw
that scene, I cried. Pets are such wonderful companions, and I think
everyone who has PD would do well to have a trained dog like this one -
if they can care for it. Best to you. Jo Ann
>
> A Best Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
> Scott Craven
> The Arizona Republic
> Oct. 30, 2004 12:00 AM
>
> The favorite part of Judith Johnson's day begins before the sun, or
> her husband, is up. She slips into comfortable clothes and heads to
> the back door to meet her friend, the one who's always willing to
> listen.
>
> As the pair stroll to the park during their daily 45-minute walk,
> Johnson sorts out the thoughts and feelings that, she believes,
> would
> only burden those close to her. But Oliver ambles along silently,
> looking up every now and then at his human companion.
>
> "I tell him what's going on in my head," Johnson says. "We share a
> lot of very poignant moments together."
>
> Johnson can't imagine her life without the 5-year-old English
> springer spaniel. Oliver was appreciated when he was just a pet,
> but
> when Johnson was diagnosed in 2000 with Parkinson's disease, the
> dog
> took on a new role.
>
> Oliver now is Johnson's service dog, trained to pick up items she
> has
> dropped, and to help prop her up when she falls. And should Johnson
> "freeze" (a symptom of Parkinson's), Oliver steps on her toes, and
> that pressure, Johnson says, helps to re-engage her mind to the
> task
> at hand.
>
> But Oliver's true value is as an understanding friend, there to
> listen when Johnson needs to rail against life's unfairness or to
> share when Johnson appreciates life's beauty.
>
> "Some people may think I'm crazy for talking to a dog," Johnson
> says.
> "But having him there helps me so much. He's made such a difference
> in my life."
>
> Questionnaire:
>
> What is your pet's name and breed?
>
> Oliver, an English springer spaniel.
>
> How did you choose your pet's name?
>
> I just took one look at him and knew Oliver was the perfect name
> for
> him.
>
> Where did you get your pet?
>
> My husband had a springer named Fudge that he had gotten from a
> breeder in Nebraska. We got in touch with Danny (the breeder), and
> he
> had pups from the same line as Fudge. Danny kept Oliver until he
> was
> 9 weeks old and then put him on a plane. He was a $75 dog that cost
> us $400 to get.
>
> What's the best thing about your pet?
>
> The best thing about Oliver is that he is my best friend and my
> service dog. We got Ollie in 1998, and I got Parkinson's disease in
> 2000. He is so smart that I was able to train him to help me get
> through the day. He is also a Delta Society dog. We go to hospitals
> and nursing homes to visit children and the elderly. Let me tell
> you
> that Oliver is very special.
>
> What is your pet's worst habit?
>
> The worst habit Oliver has is surfing the counters for food.
>
> Has your pet ever embarrassed you?
>
> I was at a PD (Parkinson's disease) meeting. Oliver was with me and
> went right under the table as a good service dog should do. I did
> not
> know that one of the ladies at the meeting had brought blueberry
> muffins and when she went to get them for us to have with coffee,
> they were gone. Oliver the wonder dog had eaten every muffin and
> the
> bag, and he was so quiet about it. He did not make any sounds and
> he
> was fast asleep. He also had blueberry stains all over his face. He
> was busted. We all had a good laugh about it, and thank God he did
> not get sick.
>
> How do you celebrate a pet's birthday?
>
> Oliver's birthday is Dec. 31. We celebrate the new year with him.
>
> What is the best thing about your pet?
>
> The best thing about Oliver is Oliver. He is the most loving and
> loyal friend I have ever had. It feels good just writing about him.
> He brings me joy every single day of my life.
>
> SOURCE: Arizona Republic, AZ
> http://tinyurl.com/49kct<http://tinyurl.com/49kct>
>
> * * *
>
> .Murray Charters
> <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
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> Please purge all others
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> Web site: Parkinsons Resources on the WWWeb
>
>
http://www.geocities.com/murraycharters<http://www.geocities.com/murraych
arters>
>
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