This was a very nice way to start the day. Thank you.
Barbara L
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Murray Charters<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2004 1:47 AM
  Subject: A Best Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed


  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]>>
  Please place this address in your address book
  Please purge all others

  Web site: Parkinsons Resources on the WWWeb
  http://www.geocities.com/murraycharters<http://www.geocities.com/murraycharters>

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