Meet Dusty
Let Miriam Allen tell you about the wonders of her Service Dog, Dusty. She has just shared her very special poem, "Dusty, My Assistance Dog, My Friend" with us here at the Land of PureGold. This poem truly captures the Golden meaning behind these specially trained companions. Miriam, who is in a wheelchair, has trained her puppy Dusty with the help of a private trainer. She lives in Little Hocking, Ohio where she finds that there are not many Service Dogs.

Dusty, who is now one year of age, has changed Miriam's life in so many ways by helping to do things she cannot do for herself.  She picks things up for Miriam, retrieves and carries items, closes doors, opens the refrigerator, and even helps her get undressed at night. When Dusty is older, Miriam will want her to help with transfers and be able to pull her wheelchair. At only one-year-old, she is too young now to do this. Although Miriam is having some access problems at the hospital where she works, she is working through that. And, Dusty goes with her everywhere else!  Now, doesn't Dusty look determined in this picture of her doing one of her many chores? And, want to hear the latest news? On September 25, 1999, Dusty was certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen and a Therapy Dog by Therapy Dogs International! Boy, is Mom Miriam proud!! 

On October 28th, Miriam and Dusty are leaving for the Delta Society convention. They are the national society on service animals and therapy animals. Miriam is hoping to learn all kinds of new things. Maybe she will give us an update (with pictures hopefully?) on the convention when she gets back!