We are officially in the "Dog Days of Summer." The temperature is rising, and so is the number of homeless animals in our community who need our help. Our work is tireless and at times difficult, but we give our all every day because we know the animals are worth it and because we know that the work we do changes lives - for our animals and for the lucky people who adopt them. The inspiring and heartwarming story about Cassidy, who was adopted on June 25, 2011, really drives that point home. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have!
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My name is Jenni, and I am Cassidy's new mom. We adopted her just three weeks ago today. Now (with a lot of training) she is my service dog. She is still in training to be my guide dog.
I am only 46 and have macular degeneration. This disease is causing progressive blindness to both of my eyes. I cannot drive at night, and within one year I will not be driving at all. Cassidy is being trained by a program called "Shelter Dogs To Dream Dogs." Cassidy will be passing her "Therapy Dog" test in August and a few months after that she will be completely trained to safely walk a blind person anywhere.
As you might already know, a "Service Dog" is not required to pass a "therapy dog" test. "Shelter Dogs To Dream Dogs" and Catherine Sacks insist that all dogs who go through their program must be able to pass a "Therapy Dog" test. This means Cassidy can visit people in hospitals and nursing homes.
I have Lupus and get sick often. Cassidy goes to all of my doctor's appointments. She always cheers people up when they are sitting in the waiting room. She has even been to the Emergency Room with me because I got very sick one night. She behaved perfectly and charmed the doctors, nurses and patients with her sweet eyes and gentle kisses.
My husband, John, and I want you to know that Cassidy is a great ambassador for the Escondido Humane Society. She has and is proving that service dogs can come from a shelter. Service dogs can also be part if not all pit bull. Thank you so much for taking care of my angel dog Cassidy long enough for us to find one another. She is not only an extension of my body's needs, but she is an extension of your shelter's love to anyone who comes into contact with her.
With tears in my eyes I say this to you: My husband and I will be forever grateful to the Escondido Humane Society. Barbara, Linda, the vet, the staff and all of the amazing, angelic volunteers. I (we) could never put into words what it means to have my life back thanks to a little stray pit bull mix named Cassidy.
With all of the gratitude a heart can hold, we THANK YOU ALL!
John, Jenni and Cassidy Gaines
P.S. One more thing ... Cassidy is a dog who has a job, but most evenings as the sun is setting we walk her down to the beach. She, and only she, frolics in the sand and shallow surf. Because she is a trained and licensed service dog, she is allowed to go anywhere I go. We make sure she has a lot of fun every day. She makes sure I have fun every day, too.
For August news and events , check out this month's newsletter by clicking on the link below. We hope to see you at the shelter soon!
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Adoption-specials--Calendar-Photo-Fundraiser-and-more-.html?soid=1101206429639&aid=4QBWd38q1DI
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