Life-Challenged Goldens
A Message from Rochelle Lesser, School Psychologist
Life is filled with challenges. Sometimes, one must overcome obstacles that occur at
birth, while others are met with adversity through accidental or aging processes. Having
worked with the disabled population for over twenty years, first as a special educator and
then school psychologist, my presence in the school system was one of champion and
protector. In turn, I endeavored to advocate for children's' inherent strengths rather
than those apparent deficiencies.
Throwaway dogs or throwaway children the
concept remains the same in a society that oftentimes strives for excellence in narrowly
defined ways. Yet, there is a Golden lesson that needs to be learned about the incredible
struggles and strengths that many must endure and that powerful light that burns
within all beings, humans and Goldens alike.
This page is dedicated to those families who share their
lives with challenged Goldens. The first special story that I learned about was that of
Lucy, a beautiful Golden girl who suffers with Spina Bifida. Lucy has many many friends, both two and four-footed. Here is friend
Shirley leading her Golden Lucas, who is giving Lucy the ride of her life. Living in New
England's harsh cold climate, though, can create its very own unique challenges. Want to
know what happens when it snows 30 inches, and then another 10 inches? Well, for one
thing, poor little Lucy has to stay in the snow blown paths so she can pish and poop!
Find out more below about this special girl
and how her ability to meet life's challenges is actually setting an example for us
humans. Please take time to experience Lucy's story as well as that of other remarkable
Goldens. And, explore the many resources available for addressing the needs of those with
mobility and sensory challenges.
Web and Print Resources
Meet our Special Challenged Goldens
Please enjoy these wonderful tales of some of our
challenged Goldens. And, if you have a Golden tale of challenge, just
send it along with photos to:
Resources for the Sensory-Challenged
Dog
Resources for the
Mobility-Challenged Dog
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