I knew when I first saw her that she was the dog for me.  She was chosen because I thought she had such a laid-back personality, plus I loved her large, liquid dark eyes, and her soft, thick golden fur.  She also had such a sweet expression on her face.

Her name was Goldie.  And she was going to be my service dog.

She was a Golden Retriever.  If I dropped something (which was often, due to my cerebral palsy), or if I needed help, she would be the one to do the job, since I physically couldn't do it by myself.

I was thirteen then.  I'm now sixteen, and Goldie continues to be a driving force in my life.  She is my shadow, my constant companion.  She acts as my arms and legs.

I would do anything for her, especially since Goldie has given me so much in the way of freedom, independence that I didn't have prior to having her in my life. 

Before I got Goldie, my family had to do everything for me.  I felt like I was nothing but a big burden to them, and I felt angry towards them.  I felt like I was a big baby who needed to be fed, or have her diaper changed, or dressed.  I couldn't do it by myself; I needed a lot of help.  I became bitter and depressed.

I also didn't go anywhere, and I didn't have any friends.  I was retreating into myself; it got to the point to where I didn't care whether I lived or died.

Then mom and dad heard about the service dog organization; they figured that was exactly what I needed.  While I balked at first, it soon became apparent that this might be the best thing for me.  So Goldie entered my life, and ... the rest is history, as they say.

While Goldie can't feed, dress, or change me, she can lick away my tears, make me laugh, and give me unconditional love.  In addition to this, Goldie can also pick up dropped objects, reach objects that I can't get from shelves, alert mom and dad if I am about to have another seizure, get me out of my wheelchair, and so much more.  Goldie is very smart, and she never fails to bring me joy.

It is because of Goldie that I have learned to open up to people or not to act so shy around  them.  I have finally made some real friends who have learned to see "past the wheelchair" and see me as a real person, which I greatly appreciate.  My life has changed in ways that I couldn't have ever imagined, and it is all because of Goldie.

I owe my life to that dog.  I wish every child who has a disability could have a Goldie in their lives; they'd certainly be a lot better off! I know I am, and I thank God every day for my Goldie!  I love her so much!!