the following was written by Handi-Dogs
TO SOME A DOG IS JUST AN ANIMAL. TO OTHERS A DOG IS A BEST FRIEND & A GREAT CAREGIVER.
Luna is a five year old Labrador Retriever, who found her home with Marty when she was adopted from Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue.
Marty has a congenital spinal condition that hinders her ability to rise from sitting positions and to bend over to pick objects up off the floor. During acute attacks, she needs assistance to walk.
A few years ago, Marty decided to train Luna to be her service dog. Although she had trained many dogs before, Marty knew she needed additional help in training Luna to do assistance tasks and sought that guidance from Handi-Dogs. They were certified a year later.
Today, Luna braces to be a support for Marty when she stands from a seated position. Luna is so bonded with Marty that when she sees Marty about to get up, she will walk over to stand in front of her even before she’s asked. When Marty says ‘fetch’ and indicates an item on the floor/ground, Luna will pick it up and bring it to her. On days when Marty needs help walking, Luna wears a stiff harness and walks next to her, allowing Marty to lean on the harness for support.
Marty recently commented, “Luna has changed my life. I live alone and feel more secure with her there. When I have a chronic episode and can’t walk, she supports me. She’ll pick things up from the floor for me that I drop. She’s been a life-changing influence for me!”
Beading Divas to the Rescue is proud to be fundraising for Handi-Dogs for the month of October 2014.
Bracelets are one -of – kind made with donated beads. One size fits most and all bracelets come with a paw charm, signifying the work we do here to help 501 c3 animal charities. Bracelets cost $20 and the charity receives the entire amount.
The following local venues have bracelets:
–-Silver Sea Jewelry & Gifts, 330 N. 4th Avenue, 624-9954
–-Clues Unlimited Mystery Book Store, 3146 E. Fort. Lowell Road (SE corner Country Club), 326-8533 (closed Sun/Mon)
–-A K Jensen Apparel, (St. Philips Plaza), 4340 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 72, 529-2775
–-Sissy’s Pet Salon, 7350 N La Cholla Blvd (by Albertsons), 229-9898 (limited selection)
Or bracelets can be purchased online (add $5.50 S&H).
Bracelets will also be available at Dogtoberfest, a Handi-Dog community event and fundraiser on October 26. Click here for the details.
If you don’t wear jewelry, you can still contribute to Handi-Dogs. Here are some ideas:
HANDI-DOGS W I S H L I S T
· Monetary donations
· 10 x 10 canopy tent in good condition
· Rubber backed mats (like those used in kitchens and bathrooms)
· Gift certificates to Amazon, Petco, PetSmart or Pet Club
· Invitations to speak to community groups interested in our work
