FYI. Neil has worked at this Walmart for almost 5 years. This past spring they built a "Super Walmart" to replace the regular one. Neil was instrumental in making it a more handicap accessible place. For example: Neil was involved with decisions regarding aisle width, doors, extra handicap carts, floor textures, and 'family restrooms' (where a parent may take a child of the opposite sex in, regardless of age) in addition to "men's" and "women's". These changes are evident in public spaces as well as behind the scenes in the back rooms. I don't even want to get into Walmart's abominable reputation, but maybe this once they did OK. We may look at this as using the token handicapped kid, but Neil and his mom Lori are outspoken advocates for equal access! Lori told me one of her biggest peeves is people that park so close to handicap slots that you can't operate the wheel chair lift out the side of the van. She usually waits a few minutes, then calls the local police, has the people paged if possible, and (ya gotta know her, she's one caring mother. And while she doesn't WANT to make trouble for anyone...) in no uncertain terms explains the complications their inconsiderate behavior is causing. :) I think I saw it best when Neil, Merlin and I visited his Walmart for the first time during training. We manuvered around the store and bought a few things, and then went into the back to see if his boss was around...within 2 minutes we were surrounded by 15 of his co-workers, all congratulating him, wishing him luck and bombarding him with questions! No offense, but god I love small town living! PS: Neil and Merlin made the front page of the Starbuck Times this week! and PSS: Next time you're walking through the clothes racks at Herbergers or JC Pennys, or K-Mart or whatever, try to imagine yourself in a wheel chair with a service dog beside you...wanna knock some clothes on the floor? I truely have a whole new appreciation for my ability to walk on my own 2 feet. Sarah -- And now I really will quit the sermon :) Here is a link that might be useful: Starbuck Times

I missed explaining the actual program. Not Service (my head was into Army thinking), they are Therapy Dogs. There is 8 weeks ahead in training, plus my working with him every day (homework). They are Certified when through and I am the handler. Not sure, but expect a couple of times we will go with the trainer for testing and specific training in the environment. The program is thorough and trainers are wonderful. Even though they demand a lot, you can feel they love every dog they are working with. We will go to the the Hospital on base which is 10 min from me. He will work with soldiers in rehab, therapy groups, those in good recovery. He can get up on their beds, sit on their laps when in wheel chairs, play outside with them. They also have the dogs on base when troops leave or return from battle. Many are without families to say good bye or welcome back. Therapy dogs have been found to relieve a great deal of stress in the soldiers environment. This may be one on one or in groups. Or assigned to a specific person for a period of time. We are not allowed anywhere but libraries, hospitals, hospice and private homes. Nor in areas of a hospital where open healing is being cared for. Although Lowes and HD allow dogs on leash and I take him when buying supplies or wandering around. It is nice to have them remember me. Hopefully in a good way. I may do more of this to keep him up on being in loud and busy areas. Which isn't a problem, but it all helps. What an excuse to go to the hardware store. Still have butterflies, I want to be able to write a successful story for you. Thank you for caring so much. Hugs to your loving friends too.

I caught the video while I was prepping dinner tonight and it brought tears to my eyes. Even DH - who was making a quick trip to the hardware store before dinner - stopped and watched with me. Then I noticed as he walked down the hall that he detoured through the study and stopped to give his girl, Maggie, a pat and tummy rub. Yes it was sad and beautiful.

Thanks :) I know there are no guarantees. While the hope of course is that Molly does well during and after surgery and lives until 17 or 18, anything can happen at any time. But, I don't want to see her get weaker and sicker from this terrible disease, so at the very least I can prevent that. Preventing that alone is worth the money and effort, no matter the outcome. She is too happy and kind of a creature to have any suffering in her life and I will do everything I can to prevent her from experiencing it. I'm very hopeful about some of the clinical trials going on now. Not for Molly, they won't be in time for her (hence why we're going overseas) but I think/pray a breakthrough is just a few years away. MVD is one of the leading causes of death and disability in dogs, and it affects millions of dogs. I truly hope that some of these non-invasive valve replacement solutions will mean far fewer dogs suffering from this horrible condition. {And potentially some of these solutions could one day be used to provide a less invasive option for people with mitral valve disease too).