My little brother, Johnny, is a much happier boy these days. Besides his friend, Jose', he also has a new friend in his life. His newest friend is of the furry variety. His new friend is a beautiful Golden Lab named "Ginger". "Ginger" is a "helping dog"--that is, she is a dog that has been specially trained to help disabled people lead more independent lives. In other words, "Ginger" acts as his hands and feet. She picks up dropped items from the floor whenever Johnny drops something, she carries his school books or his bookbag, she helps him with getting his shoes and socks off, and, above all else, she "alerts" mommy and daddy whenever Johnny has a seizure. When Johnny has one of his seizures "Ginger" runs around like crazy and whines and barks until mommy or daddy (or one of the older, more responsible kids) comes to his aid. (Johnny has anywhere from 2 to 4 seizures a day. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of three. Doctors think it was caused by the meningitis he had as a baby. It's also because he has some significant brain damage due in part to the meningitis.)
Johnny acuired "Ginger" earlier this year when mommy noticed that his muscular dystrophy was getting worse and when she noticed that he was having more trouble with his being able to pick up dropped items from the floor, and also when he began to
have trouble trying to get his shoes and socks off. "Ginger" was specially chosen for Johnny's specific needs.
By the way, "Ginger" is almost 2 years old.
Before Johnny got his dog the dog had to undergo a rigorous training regimen, and she also had to be matched up with a particular individual best suited for her abilities and skills. She also had to spend time with my little brother, so she could get to know him (and us). That period in time took up to six months.
Ever since he got her, Johnny's outlook has improved dramatically. Before he got the dog he was often sad, and he felt jealous of Ronee' because she had a pet and he did not. (Ronee' has a cat, a Maine Coon she has christened "Cajun.") Johnny was also having trouble dealing with kids teasing him about his seizures and other disabilities. He often felt alone. Nowadays Johnny laughs a lot more than he used to, and he and "Ginger" are ALWAYS together. At night he and "Ginger" sleep together. They are very rarely apart, in other words.
I am so glad that Johnny finally has a pet he can call his own. "Ginger" is the perfect companion for him. "Ginger" is always there to lend a helping hand (paw), and she is very sensitive to his moods. She can always be counted on to lick away his tears, and she can be counted on to lend a sympathetic ear when he needs a friend to talk to.
And "Ginger" has given Johnny the independence that muscular dystrophy had threatened to take away. He can do more things for himself, in other words.
I'm sure "Ginger" will be at Johnny's side when he dies. Somehow I wouldn't doubt it.
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