My life is completely incredible all because of the new addition to our family. The day we went to the Louisville Humane Society I knew we were going to adopt a puppy but little did I realize that puppy would not only be a happy addition we had been waiting for a long time but a life saver for myself. We named our little angel Lexi.

    I was so excited and loved my puppy more than words could say. She was adorable and so gentle I decided I wanted her to be a therapy dog for the elderly and children and those that are disabled or depressed. Part of my wanting to help others is because I am disabled and understand what its like being sick every day. I began taking her to a assisted living home and she fit in perfectly and the smiles every day we came through the door made it exactly what I wanted to do for people .

    When I heard my phone ring I remember exactly how I felt. I didn’t expect what I got. Her name was Liz Norris and she owned Pawsibilities Unleashed in Frankfort Kentucky . Liz called me back promptly after I had left her a message from an online ad I saw. Liz talked to me as if my dog and I dog were important and more than capable of reaching any goals we had. I had never talked to a “dog trainer” that was so warm, confident and had the life long experience that she had. Liz had never met me before didn’t know if I was going to get lessons for my dog but treated me as if I were and gave me her time with all of my questions and concerns. I eagerly made an appointment to see her at the next class she had.　

    Little did I know that was only the beginning of a new life for myself and my family. I don’t remember the exact words but while we talked Liz had said my cute dog could be a DAD (Diabetic Alert Dog) I was shocked when she told me that but I really loved the idea it was something I wanted for years but never thought it was possible. I heard of DADs’ but years before I looked into it and people were asking 20k for DAD service dog which was completely out of my reach financially. And I was sitting here with a pound puppy not a pricey purebred for the job.

    Saturday came and we went early because of all the excitement I couldn’t wait. I wanted to do the DAD program but honestly didn’t think I could do it financially and plus my husband told me we couldn’t afford it as soon as I told him about my phone conversation with Liz. I understood though after all I’m on oxygen for COPD and Diabetic and many other diseases. We are financially strapped. We have two kids going into college soon. No matter how I looked at it I didn’t see how we could do this but I didn’t want to give up yet.

    Well what happened next was a dream come true for me. Liz watched my little Lexi and even worked with her during the class and I hadn’t even committed or paid for the class. I was in awe the way she taught the dogs and they learned it so fast with complete kindness which I had never seen in a dog trainer. Her methods were clear, easy and she taught with obvious love for what she was doing. By the time the class was over she had taught my adorable Lexi some important lessons and made me feel like my dog was going to be a DAD if that’s what I wanted and she assured me my Lexi was a perfect dog for the job. I couldn’t believe it I was so happy I just kept hugging my little furball. I remember when Liz came over and put on a shiny new blue harness on my Lexi and lots of paperwork with lots of info and lessons and training techniques. I was thrilled and unbelievably excited.

    After class I went to pay her for the new blue harness and she said no don’t worry about it. Wow that was really sweet of her. I remember thinking obviously this lady cares about me and my dog and she doesn’t even know us yet and that means more than money will ever matter.

The ride home was short but to the point I knew I wanted to do everything I saw the other dogs doing and more. I was excited but part of me didn’t believe it all. It seemed too good to be true. How in the world does a little puppy tell me if my blood sugar is high or low by smelling me(scenting) it really did seem unbelievable to me but a little part of me wanted to believe it so badly. After all I had been to the hospital enough times that I got to know the doctors and nurses and even the EMTs’ that came when I dialed 911. To my surprise my husband started to talk about in a positive way and thought we should give it a try. I didn’t expect that I figured I would have to plead and beg to get another chance at the possibility of training my pound puppy as a service k-9.

    My husband was impressed just as much as I was surprised and said a quick prayer to myself as I looked back at my little furball sleeping in the back seat. I remember thinking this dog was going to be our pet and now there was a possibility of training her to be a service dog some day. Click on the PROGRESS bone and see how Lexi's training is going.