Thoughts of a CRPS Sufferer from the Middle of Nowhere: Introducing Connie!

Well what a time I've been having! My Assistance Dog Connie arrived three weeks ago and what a roller-coaster it's been! I've never had a dog before, having grown up with two cats (one of whom is still with us) so getting a dog has been a learning experience - at times a little overwhelming but for the most part absolutely incredible. After a few spontaneous fits of tears in the first week, things have now settled down and Connie and I have found our rhythm. The amazing trainer from Assistance Dogs New Zealand, Julie, has made the experience smooth and as easy as possible, and I'm constantly in awe of how well trained these dogs are.

In the weeks since I got Connie I have learnt so much and we've done so much together already. I graduated with my Bachelor of Music with first class honours, and with Connie's support and anchoring I was able to walk across the stage without my crutches. With Connie's support and navigating skills, I am able to walk up and down stairs without the fear of falling. Before working with my service dog, I was at constant risk of falling down stairs, tripping over curbs, and falling over dips in the road, due to my failing eyesight thanks to CRPS. Walking around now with Connie, I can feel my confidence increasing. I no longer have to worry that I'll break a bone on my way to class, or having to text a friend to rescue me at the crossing because I don't know when to cross. I can feel my independence rising every day that I leave the house with my service dog at my side. Moving around is still difficult for me and I feel like I have been pushing it a bit too hard these past few weeks in an effort to work outside the house with Connie as much as possible. It's going to take me a little while longer to find that balance of doing exciting new things with my dog, and also looking after my limits and respecting my low energy levels.

Yesterday, I went to the park with three other Wellington families who have service dogs from Assistance Dogs New Zealand. Although I was exhausted afterwards, the experience was absolutely amazing. Seeing our dogs interacting and playing together but also observing how well they followed our commands, even without their harnesses on, was awesome, and I was so proud watching Connie do everything Julie and I asked of her. As we were making our way back to the car, I was (unknowingly) walking towards a big dip in the grass. As we approached it, I could feel Connie start moving me to the left, with no idea why she was trying to swerve (as she's taught to walk in a straight line). Trusting my dog, I went with her and as we walked forward I realized that she had just saved me from falling over. Previously, I would have gone down into that hole, and due to my low bone density thanks to the CRPS, I would have likely have broken one or more toes or fingers in the process. Experiences like these that may seem so small and insignificant to others are making a world of difference in my life.

When I graduated, the stage was so bright and long, I couldn't see a thing. I told Connie to continue straight on, and trusted that she would take me where I needed to go. She took me directly to the Chancellor who shook my hand and greeted my dog, and then telling Connie a gentle "to the end" she took me up to the representative from my faculty who handed me my degree. With no idea where to turn next I asked Connie to find the stairs and without hesitation Connie walked me to the stairs to get off the stage and halted to let me know I needed to step down. Connie and I had been together 6 days when this happened. I still can't believe how amazingly she is trained, how perfect she is for attending to my needs, and how quickly our bond has grown.

There are no words to express how grateful I am for having Connie become a part of my life. Assistance Dogs New Zealand were set up as a charity to support New Zealanders with disabilities who would benefit from a service dog and the work they are doing is invaluable for people like myself. Friends and family have commented on how I'm a different person now Connie is with me, and I'm sure that things will only continue to improve the longer we work together. I know I have asked before, but I'll do it again. If you can financially help in any way, ADNZ and myself would be so grateful for your support. They are run solely from donations and your help means that new puppies are able to be trained to support New Zealanders with a variety of disabilities and needs. You can donate through my fundraiser, or through their website. Links below :)

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ailsalipscombe
http://www.assistancedogstrust.org.nz/index.php/donate-now