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When did you realize your disability was helping you choose a new direction for your life?

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Finding A New Purpose

Name: Carol Bobb
Email: tbobb@direct.ca
Date: 24 Mar 2001
Time: 10:45:23

Story

I had a stroke in May, 1998. Here I am almost three years later, looking back on the new direction my life has taken. I went through the usual depression -- questioning why me, listing all the things we all go through and finding there are no answers. I was always, in my former life, a total workaholic so being forced to slow down to a crawl was devastating. I found things to keep me busy, but real purpose was still lacking. I've found it.

A year ago, a friend gave me a Shih Tsu puppy, a loving and happy little clown who gives so much joy and love words can't express it. With the volunteer help of a professional trainer, this little six-pound bundle of joy is also my service dog. He helps me with a multitude of tasks around the house and has made it possible for me to forego home support workers.

My doctors have been very interested in this little project of mine and keep telling me this program has merit. Yesterday my doctor called me in to meet another patient of his that he felt would benefit greatly by a small service dog, not only for the assistance but also the companionship. The timing was perfect as "Spud" had just sired five pups, and I get pick of the litter. Seeing the joy on this woman's face when I told her I had a dog for her and had arranged for a trainer to work with her and her dog was one of the most rewarding feelings I've ever had. She was so lonely and spends the majority of her time at home, alone. She has called me three times today to ask questions about getting ready for her pup, which she will receive in a few weeks.

My purpose: PAC (Pets for Assistance and Companionship). I've found my purpose. I've made contact with several breeders who will donate small dogs to disabled persons and have found trainers who will help train them. This is totally non-profit. My profit comes from the joy on a face when I put a loving canine in the arms of someone.

Last changed: October 20, 2003

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