The first day I met Ellie I knew I had my work cut out for me. She never had more than two feet on the ground at any one time. From the moment she got out of the car, she made herself at home and my dogs, Taz and Boomer, welcomed her with open paws.  But she was very vocal and opinionated and it often was a battle of wills. With work, people were amazed at how much she settled down in just a few weeks.

By May we started working in public places. She drew a great deal of attention and loved every minute of it. Working in public was a huge learning experience for me. I was learning to see things thru the eyes of a disabled person. I am ashamed at how difficult we make it for disabled people to live in this world.

    Ellie’s big test came in September when we went to Florida for the public access test. She passed with flying colors and it was then that I truly realized what a difference she was going to make in Julie’s life. The tears started flowing, not from sadness but of pride and love for what she had accomplished.

    In November, Julie started working with Ellie. During the first few visits, Julie and Ellie didn’t really know how to communicate with each other. Julie was discouraged at first. But the first time they went to the mall Ellie showed Julie what she could do for her. It was amazing. It was then that Julie started gaining the confidence she needed to start working Ellie. Each visit they worked more and more as a team. Ellie was looking back at me less and less. Ellie truly understands that she is needed in Julie’s life. The confidence Ellie gives Julie to do and try new things is wonderful.

    Ellie went to the college campus with Julie and the transformation really began. The first day when Cat and I went on campus Ellie didn’t go with us. Julie took us on her usual path around campus. I was shocked at how unhelpful people were and how they tended to avoid her. The next day Julie took Ellie with her, and the difference in people’s attitude was astounding. People held doors open for her and spoke to her. Julie rolled around with her head held high and a huge smile on her face. I had to fight back the tears. All the blood, sweat, and tears put into Ellie’s training were worth this one moment.

   Ellie has changed my life forever. The confidence she has given me in my life is truly a gift. She taught me more than I was ever able to teach her.