When Helping Paws blessed me with Chase, the first couple of weeks, we did all the things taught to us in class. As time went on, I began to look at every task I do that is difficult or painful and do a Chase check. I ask myself, “Is this something he can do for me?” So many times, the answer is yes. During these last six months, he has learned so many things, and I’ve come to realize the potential for him to make my life easier is enormous. And the added benefit of having a loyal companion who loves me, brings me so much joy, and won’t leave my bed if I’m sick is icing on the cake.
Team Vicky and Chase are continuing with learning new tasks relating to the movement of my legs. He never ceases to amaze me how quickly he catches on. I’m the slow one, 😂 but once I figure out the best way to formulate the task, Chase picks it right up, sometimes even adding his unique smart actions. An example of this would be how he learned it was easier to push up instead of forward when moving my feet to my footplates from the front.
The task we’re demonstrating today is to move my legs off my footplates. For example, there are times I need to get closer to an area or transfer to another surface and need my footplates up. Even having him push up my footplates, I’ve still needed to move my legs off the plates manually. A simple task it might seem, but when I do it repetitively throughout the day, it puts a strain on my back and shoulders, which are vulnerable and painful areas for me.
I had considered attaching something to my leg that he could grab, but again, that would require me to bend down and put it on, so that made no sense. I thought perhaps he could grip the side of my pants leg and pull but vetoed that because what if I had shorts on – he would have nothing to grab. So ultimately, it came down to push, making the most sense. I started by teaching him to touch the inner calf area of my leg, from the opposite side, rewarding him each time he did. From there, we transitioned to the push command. Even if he didn’t get the leg off, if he made a push effort, he got a treat. Each time, I would encourage him to push harder, and eventually, the leg came completely off the footplate. Party time!! He got about 6 treats. Being the smart dog that he is, he caught on fast to what I wanted and will now do it for a normal “tip” (a treat). It’s such a joy to see how excited we both get when he accomplishes what we set out to do. We have one final step to the whole process of helping me with my legs, and that is for him to put my legs back onto my footplates from the side. I really am looking forward to finishing the series!
Service dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers are very food motivated, but as time goes by there are those routine things he does where a pet and a “good job” make him just as happy. For the more complicated tasks, treats will continue. Being a novice, I’m learning too and am so thankful I have the immense resources of Helping Paws to help guide Chase and me on our journey. They are such an excellent and dedicated organization, full of people committed both to helping those in need of a service dog and to the care and well-being of all the dogs they breed, train and follow. I will forever be grateful to them for blessing me with Chase.
This month we have our Assistance Dogs International Public Access (ADI) Evaluation. I remember back in October, thinking that we couldn’t possibly be ready in six months but Chase has shown otherwise. Even when we have long days at doctor’s appointments, running errands, or trips in the car, he is a well-behaved service dog who gets many compliments from those who see him working. I’m so very proud of him!
We had to shoot this video from my “everything” room because my family was in the living room. Having a disability many times means having a lot of equipment and supplies. For me, it makes sense to have all of my things in one room so what was once only my office, became my supply room, my dressing room, my Chase supply room, my exercise room, and spare equipment room and if I can see it clean at least once a week, I’m a happy camper 😁
Hope you enjoy the video 💕