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 wShirley leading Lucas with Lucy in route!orked 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 burnLucy Ball hanging out with Brother Bens 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

  Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: Multi-State & Canada List
 
Books: Deaf Dogs & Blind Dogs
Books: Mobility Challenged Dogs


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:

    Golden Lucy
Golden Kaytee Golden Polar Golden Kirby Golden Ivy


Resources for the Sensory-Challenged Dog


Resources for the Mobility-Challenged Dog

M. H. Mandelbaum Orthotic & Prosthetic Services
Myofascial Release with Dr. Charles G. Cantrell
dogs with Disabilities
Handicapped dogs.com
Dewey's Wheelchairs for Dogs
The K9 Cart Company
Doggon' Wheels
Eddie's Wheels
Dog Leggs
Oscar, The Three Legged Dog
Disabled Dogs Yahoo Discussion E-Group
Tripawds.com


 

 
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