Past Pets and Moves

Corky

When I was born, my parents had a Springer Spaniel named Corky. Unfortunately, when I was a year or 2 old, he was in a car accident. It led to some complications later, and he ultimately passed away. I don’t remember much about him; I just have pictures of him and me when I was a baby. He was my first introduction to dogs. My parents also had a couple of hermit crabs that lived on the kitchen table. That was when we lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

We moved to Minnesota in 1993 into a duplex, when I was 7 years old. I started school here going into 2nd grade. About a year later we moved a couple blocks away into a house. That's when the pets started to come in the picture. I was in 3rd grade and 9 years old, when we got a cat and named him fluffy. We also got a lop-eared bunny rabbit we named Bo (short for Bojangles). I remember that both me and my sister had gerbils that we kept in our rooms. Mine was named snowy and it was albino (white), and my sisters was named stormy (Brown).

Fluffy

When I was in third grade, my parents got a divorce. My mom, sister and I lived there for another year and when I was going into 4th grade we moved into apartment. Unfortunately, they didn’t allow bigger animals, so we had to give both our cat and rabbit away before moving. Also, at that point my gerbil had died but my sisters was still alive, so he moved with us. While living in the apartment, we had a painted turtle that we named lightning. Both of us each had one hermit crab with painted shells as well. The turtle and crabs didn’t last very long.

Neke

We lived there for 1 ½ and then moved into a duplex. Although we wanted other animals at first, my sister and I settled for a beta fish, one for each of us. Then, my sister got another lop-eared bunny rabbit that she named Isabel (Izzy for short). At age 10, I got a ferret that I named Neke and I had him until he died at the age of 8. My accident was when I was 16 years old, and while I was in the hospital my mom and sister moved into a townhouse, one that was listed as handicapped accessible. I remember them bringing Neke to visit me while I was doing my rehab therapy at the hospital.

Rio (yellow) and Cole (gray)

In the beginning of 2005, we moved into the house that I live in now. It’s been completely remodeled to my every need. While living here so far., we’ve had 3 parakeets (first was Dakota; after him came Cole and Rio) and 2 cats (Ty and Toby) all of which passed at some point. Then, in September 2012, I got my dog Brody at 9 months. On December 20, he turned 9 years old and has been my buddy ever since. Every animal that we’ve had, I’ve learned responsibility, gained more compassion, and felt the love in return. I’m sure in the future there will be more pets and possible moves to come.

Toby and Ty

Brody

Jenni

Registering Brody

This is his photo ID that I have to carry around with wherever we go.
It's a picture of Brody when I first got him.

 

I got my dog Brody September 2012 when he was about 9 months old through a breeder. On December 20 Brody turned 6 years old. He actually comes from a family of show dogs but didn’t meet the cut. Although I got him at a slightly older age, he still adapted well and was all ready set up for a home environment.

Since I got him, he’s always been my side, a companion who’s helped me through some tough times. Over the years, Brody has adapted to my disability. He knows when something’s wrong with me and also provides comfort if I am in need of a little TLC. He’s also been great for helping me with independence and getting out of the house more. I love taking him for walks outside around the neighborhood, no matter what the temperature is.

Even though I didn’t initially get him for this purpose, I recently certified him as a companion dog. Now I can take him anywhere with me as long as I have his vest on and card with me. There is a difference between a companion and therapy dog. Companion dogs usually don’t work. Instead the principal service that companion dogs provide is simply companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks. While service dogs are trained to behave flawlessly in public, companion dogs may or may not be as well-behaved.

Companion dogs don’t need to have special training, although Brody has some behavioral issues. In order to better help him with some of his anxiety along with coach me with training methods, I recently hired a private trainer to come to my house. My hopes are to get him comfortable with other people and dogs. She is going to work with me to get us ready for him to go out in the public. I’ve already learned some things about him that I didn’t realize before.

For example, I always thought he had aggression towards other people and dogs because he was protecting me. He barks at other dogs, strangers and people walking in the woods. Although she told me that he actually has "fear aggression" which means that he is afraid so he goes into a mode of needing protection by barking, nipping, and even hiding next to my wheelchair. Instead of trying to protect me he was looking for protection from me.

The trainer gave me some tools to work with him in order to listen to me better so that I have more control over situations that occur. Hopefully over time I will be ready to bring him places outside my home without hesitation or having him fearful. I’ll update everyone throughout on how the progress is going.

Jenni

Relationships in My Life

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary the definition of a relationship is: "The way in which two or more people or things are connected."

Although there are many people that come and go throughout one’s life, there are some that connect on a deeper level and others that just pass through. In my life I’m fortunate to have many relationships including friends, significant others, family, caregivers, even pets etc. It feels good to have that one person or group you can count on to talk to or be there for you no matter what.

I was once asked if it’s tough to make new friends now that I’m in a wheelchair and a quadriplegic. I think it is difficult sometimes, but it isn't impossible. It seems hard for others to approach someone with a disability because people are afraid of the unknown. I guess I would say that it’s harder to find new friends who are able-bodied versus disabled because I have more in common with someone who has a disability.

I have made many new friends since my accident including past nurses. I also still keep in touch and hang out with friends from before, even ones I’ve had since grade school! It’s great when there are those that are accepting of my situation, especially when it’s someone I meet post accident. That’s why I try to socialize and meet as many people as possible. I want others to know that I’m still me, despite my disability.

Another type of relationship is on a romantic level. I’ve been asked many times about what dating is like for someone in my situation. It seems like a complicated question, but some of the answers aren't any different than from someone who is able bodied. Before meeting my boyfriend Ryan of almost 3 years, I still faced the same obstacles like finding someone who was my type and liked me for who I am. I had ups and downs, faced rejection just like others. I also had to learn that this was okay and I don’t have to settle with just anybody to make me happy.

Ryan and I met on an online dating website called Plenty of Fish. Although he’s been through disability-related situations throughout his life, he understands and accepts me for who I am despite my disability. Ryan is an exceptional guy, and one who has proven his love for me through his actions, affection, care, and trust. He currently works as a CNA helping other people with disabilities in their daily living.

My mom has been there with me through everything. She is always there for me when I need her and takes good care of me. It's hard when she goes away, but I know she needs a break too. I don't know what I would do without her by my side. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and as a result underwent chemo and radiation. That same year she had 2 surgeries. Earlier this year (1 ½ years later) she had to have another surgery to repair damage caused by the chemo and radiation. In November, she’ll have one final surgery.

There are other family members close to me include my dad, sister, and niece. I usually see my dad every other weekend or when he gets a chance to come over. We like to hang out and play games. Sometimes he brings his dog Bailey over. I also have my sister, Kristen and niece Avery who is 4 years old. They live in an apartment nearby, and stop by a couple times a week. It’s nice when I get a chance to see them and hang out. My niece, Avery, likes to be involved with whatever she can, especially helping out with my cares.

Another relationship in my life that I am faced with on a daily basis is having a nurse by my side 24/7. Depending on the person working for me also depends on what type of relationship we have with each other. Some I am closer to than others, especially if they’ve been working for me for a longer period of time. Most of the time the nurse and I have a relationship where we understand each other and have bonded.

It can also get difficult at times having someone by my side all the time. I may get irritated or annoyed with the nurses, but that's only because 12 hours is a long time to spend with one person. Sometimes I just want to be alone with no one in the house, but I know that will never be possible as long as I'm on a ventilator and have a trach. If something were to happen, for example my tubes popping off, they need to be there for me to put them back on so I could breathe. I just have to remember that they are my hands and there to help me.

As far as pet relationships I have my dog Brody who is like my companion dog. Even though he isn’t certified, he still acts like one. His breed is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff and they’re known to be very loyal to their owners. I think that is why he is so in tune to my needs and doesn’t require a lot of direct training, especially when it comes to obedience to me.

Regardless of relationships that may come and go in my life, the one relationship that always remains and never goes away is my relationship with myself. I know if I stay true to who I am and never give up despite what happens, I will persevere and overcome any challenges or obstacles in my way. That being said, my main goal is to live life to its fullest and remain positive for myself and others around me.

Jenni

Rest in Peace Ty

So I have some bad news. My cat Ty got outside on Friday and then went missing for a couple of days. That's unusual for him to be gone that long. We searched and searched but couldn't find him. Finally Sunday evening one of my nurses was driving home from her shift and spotted him on the side of the road not too far from my house. We're not quite sure how he died but we think an animal got him. There are coyotes and foxes in the woods behind our house. Plus owls and hawks fly around at night.

It's really unfortunate though, he was a great cat. There will never be another one quite like him. He had such a personality and was so friendly. When we would talk to him he would meow back and he would lay down and bow his head for a treat. He would greet people at the door hoping to narrowly escape to the outside. It was hard to keep him inside because he loved to be out. He would roll around on the driveway and get all dirty, and then he would lie in the grass keeping watch. Even though he didn't have any front claws he was an excellent mouse catcher. Sometimes he would just play with them and other times he would bring them to the door as presents. We're really going to miss Ty.

Has anyone else lost any pets close to them?

Jenni

Standing with the Cats

I've still been using my stander 2 to 3 times a week. Every time is different with how many degrees I'm able to get up to. My goal every time is 90°. In the past couple months though, I haven't been able to get up past 60 or 70°. And it usually takes me about half an hour to get there. My body just isn't as tolerant as it used to be with standing. If I go too high, my blood pressure drops and I start to see black spots. Then I have to go back down immediately.

My normal blood pressure is usually around 90/60. When I'm standing, it can get down to about 60/40. Sometimes it gets low enough to where it won't read and says Error even though I'm still feeling fine. My doctor says as long as I don't pass out, I'm good because it's normal for people with spinal cord injuries to have low blood pressure. It gets really frustrating not to be able to get up all the way. I know that it's good to try, and even getting to where I am now is considered weight-bearing, but it would still be nice to stand at 90°.

One thing that helps distract me are my cats. Both of them fight for the position to lay on the table while I'm standing. They love the attention from my staff and the chance to be with me of course. The gray one, Toby, is very curious and always tries to be cute. He can be very naughty and mischievous at times too. Ty is the black one. He wants everything his way only when he wants it. He can be loving and also serious. I believe the pictures say it all. They could be an advertisement for Easystand stander.



Jenni

Oh Christmas Tree...

We got a Christmas tree last week. It's about 9 feet tall and extremely full. My mom just got done decorating it on Sunday. She wrapped gold ribbon and white lights around it. She also hung glass balls on it. Well, something happened early Monday morning at about 3 AM. My nurse heard a huge crash upstairs. Turns out, Toby, one of my cats knocked the whole Christmas tree over. He must've been trying to climb it or something. Water went everywhere along with hundreds of pine needles. He broke eight bulbs and the tree stand. Needless to say, it was a mess. My mom cleaned it all up, bought a new tree stand, and re-decorated the tree.

All day Monday he was crouching down like he knew he did something wrong. He wouldn't even go upstairs because he was so scared. On Tuesday, I brought him upstairs in the elevator on my lap to try to help him get over his fears. Kitty therapy I called it. After I sat there for a while he jumped off my lap and started scoping things out. I think I cured him. He's not scared anymore! The bad thing is now he won't stop hanging around the tree. My mom's not very happy about my therapy session.

Jenni

Happy Halloween!

The picture above is of my cat Ty showing off his best Halloween pose.

The link below is to an e-card that my sister sent me for Halloween. She used pictures of my dad, his dog, herself, me and Arnold Schwarzenegger to make up the characters. I tried to get the video on my blog but it wouldn't work, so you have to click on the link to view the video.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/dDjRtp813MVAl9ie

Jenni

Bailey Tricks

Last weekend on Saturday my dad came over and he brought his dog, Bailey. The first picture is of my dad and I. I like when my dad comes over. Our favorite thing to do together is play cribbage. Sometimes my sister plays with us too. My dad is the one who taught us how to play cribbage, however, I think I'm the best.

The other thing we do when he comes over with his dog is to have Bailey do tricks for treats. He is very good and gentle around me and unlike most other dogs he listens to me. I videotaped Bailey doing his latest trick, touching the light switch. Soon I believe he will be able to actually turn the switch on and off. I tried to add it to the post but it wouldn't work. Maybe next time I can get another video of him doing tricks with me. For now I just posted a picture of him staring me in the eyes waiting for my okay so that he can eat the treat on my lap.

Bailey can do many tricks including dancing, giving high-fives and high tens, shaking with both paws, standing tall on his hind legs, crawling etc. There are many more on the list but I just can't name them all. I did a post a while back featuring a video of Bailey doing a trick we call "paws up" with me. If you would like to watch that one, just click here.

Jenni

The Birds

The above pictures are of my birds Cole (the gray one) and Rio (the yellow one). They are both female parakeets. I usually have someone take them out of their cage about once a week. They're kind of scared of most people. Neither of them can talk but both can whistle and make noises and they usually repeat after me. Sometimes I like to have the cage door open and sit in front of the cage. Cole usually comes to the door and talks to me and sometimes she comes out on the outside of the cage. They can get noisy at times but they're a lot of fun to watch.

It is hilarious to watch them with the cat. Toby likes to watch them play and he is good for the most part but sometimes he gets a little too close. That's when Cole will peck at him and chase him away. Our other cat Ty just runs away from the birds when they come out. I think he's been disciplined too many times and he knows what will happen if he gets too close. Ty has killed birds, mice, baby bunnies and chipmunks outside so I don't trust him with my birds. I love all my animals. I also have two male Beta fish (in separate tanks otherwise they will attack each other).

Jenni

A Little Training Goes a Long Way

I have posted below a video of me and my Dad's dog, Bailey. He is a Black Labrador retriever. Talk about well trained. He responds to me extremely well. Because I am not able to give affection by petting, most animals ignore my commands and calls (including my cats). Even the service dogs (when I was trying to get one) at Helping Paws didn't respond to me as well as he does. Bailey is different. He has learned through treats to respond and listen to me when I ask him to do things. He is also a very smart dog, which helps in the learning process. He knows a lot of tricks and this is just one of the many that he will do for me. Watch in amazement as his discipline and manners shine.



Jenni

Crazy Cats

These are our crazy cats. Ty (5 1/2) is on the left and Toby (2) is on the right. I am in bed and they are laying in between my legs. You would think that they could tell time. Every morning at 6 AM Ty comes in my room and jumps up onto my bed. He does the same thing at 6 PM. A little later Toby will come in my room and jump on my bed on top of Ty. He then will bite Ty's neck until he gets annoyed and leaves and then Toby settles down in his place. This happens every single day. I don't know what it is about these two and my bed. Maybe it's because that's where they get the most attention. They also like to jump up onto my lap when I'm in my wheelchair. I think they like the free ride. I also take them into the elevator with me when I go upstairs. Yes, they are spoiled. I don't know what I would do without them.

Jenni