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For those of you who have followed my blog, you’ll notice I have a new dog.   Yep,  that’s my Doberman Pinscher, named Grace.    

Some of you may be pondering the thought of a guy in a wheelchair owning a Doberman Pinscher.   I get that.  I mean…a small guy in a wheelchair walking a Doberman Pinscher on the square will attract some looks!  

On top of that I used to be terrified of dogs!  

So why a Doberman? 

1. Companionship. 

 Dobermans are one of the smartest breeds  in the world.  On top of being watch dogs,  they make excellent companions.  
2 . Activity

For those of us with Spina Bifida, I believe being active is so important.  I have fought kidney stones most of my adult life.  I believe,in part, due to inactivity.   

3. Purpose

Dogs in general give me purpose.   When I had to go on disability,  I had lost my sense of purpose.  For many years after, I remained in a depression.   I was bitter at everyone around me, too.   Then I met a dog trainer who taught me all about dogs.  

Til this day I continue to learn about dog behavior.  She helped me find my purpose.  Now I can help others understand their dogs.  love Chancey and Grace.  Having dogs has been the best thing to ever happen.  They gave me purpose.  Whether you have a disability, or not, having a purpose makes the biggest difference.  If you haven’t found yours; find someone who knows you well. Ask them to help you find it.  It’ll make a difference.  




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This is Chancey, my dog.  She is nearing 4 years old.   I got her at the Humane Society a year after my mom died.   She has helped me tremendously.  Before I got her I was having a season of deep depression.  My mom died, then my grandmother died soon after.  I began to lose interest in the things I once held dear.  But one thing was always true regardless of my feelings of depression; I had a comfort zone that I had a difficult time breaking.   I struggled with things like taking a mere, “walk”, down the street by myself.   Going off my street certainly didn’t happen!

Once I got Chancey, I was off and running!  Chancey helped me fight through my anxiety to a level that I had never seen.   Because of Chancey, I went from fear of rolling up and down my street to rolling all over the downtown area.    Chancey has helped bridge a gap I had longed to see.   

When trained properly, dogs can be a great source of freedom for people with disabilities.   Life sure has changed for the better in my case!   Very soon, I’ll even have a new puppy.   Chancey and I will be welcoming a Newfoundland.  I can’t wait!    I’ll talk more about how dogs have played an important role in my life as time progresses.