Bailey's Service Dog

Two years ago, Bailey applied for a service dog.  Fergus has been such a big part in Bailey feeling better.  Not only does Fergus detect seizures -  He helps Bailey cope with the emotional side of dealing with a progressive - and complicated disorder. 

For more information about where Fergus came from, please go to www.freedomservicedogs.org


Do you qualify for a Service Dog?  Google 'Service Dogs' and search your city for organizations that can help you apply!

To Qualify:

Be at least 12 years of age unless service dog is needed for a child with autism (see below)

Have a diagnosed physical disability, anxiety disorder such as PTSD, debilitating chronic illness, or neurological disorder affecting at least one limb

Reside in a stable home environment

Be physically and cognitively capable of participating in the process of training, up to one hour per day

Be able to independently command and handle a service dog

Be able to meet the physical, emotional, and financial needs of a service dog

Have no other dog in the home (other animals as pets are permitted)

She's Happy!

In a world of MRI's, blood draws, and the constant worry of "what if's"...There is little to smile about.  But over the last few weekends, we have had a visitor staying with us, who has brought more than smiles to Bailey's face....He has brought a sense of hope!

"Everyone's always taking care of ME....Now I have someone to take care..."

But even though Bailey IS taking care of Fergus....Fergus is keeping a close eye on Bailey as well.  He follows her around the house making sure everything is okay.  They take care of each other!

In fact...Fergus has brought smiles to EVERYONE in the house--Even occasionally Rich. :)

We are excited to finish the process of adopting our service dog and can't wait to see the relationship between Bailey and her new best friend grow!

Thank You Freedom Service Dogs!

Freedom Service Dogs

Soon...We will have a NEW addition to our family!

Last Friday, we had our appointment with Freedom Service Dogs of America and talked about the needs that Bailey has, and how a service dog would help to improve her life.  We met three dogs and instantly fell in love with all of them.

This organization is HIGH CLASS...Let me tell you!  If there was a 4 star doggie shelter...THIS IS IT!

Let me go back to the beginning and tell you what led us to Freedom....

When Bailey was first diagnosed with her brain tumors, we entered into a world that was so foreign to us.  A whirlwind of memories...Chemo...MRI's...Blood Draws....Surgery....For 2 LONG years that was our life.

Now?  We are far from being clear of that world.  The two years of chemo have taken its toll on Bailey and we are just taking a break from it all...Time to mend, and figure out a plan.

While we were at the hospital for our 'every 3 month MRI', we talked to a family who had a dog with them, with a harness from Freedom.  For me, service dogs were for those with severe disabilities, but the dog we met that day, was for a child going through what Bailey is going through.  A "skilled companion" is what the mother called this dog.

She went on to tell me how their dog helps in the family and I was immediately drawn in.  I went home a looked up the website and applied.  Bailey wrote a little bit about how a dog would help her...and I explained more about what Bailey is facing.

We got an email back....And the process began.

The best thing about Freedom...?  These dogs....Are rescue dogs!  This organization finds these amazing animals at shelters all across Denver!  Then...they custom train them, to fit client needs!  

So our appointment last Friday was a meeting to introduce ourselves and learn more about how Freedom works.  They spend 20-25,000 dollars to specially train these dogs....Then, the best part, don't charge their clients anything!  The company runs on donations and fund raising!

The heart and soul of this organization shines so bright!

This weekend, after going through some training...We will have a guest in our home.  'Fergus' was one of the 3 dogs we met on Friday, and has been offered to Bailey, based on how he interacts and fits in with our family.

The process has moved very fast for us...Which is not typically how things work.  Service dogs require intense training...Both on the dog side AND the human side.  We have circumstances that don't really require FULL-SERVICES, so a dog that doesn't need quite as intensive training just happened to arrive.

We are VERY excited to have Fergus in our home, and pray that everything works out.  Freedom Service Dogs has been wonderful during this process and we are happy to have them be a part of our lives!

Thank you so much FREEDOM...For being a part of Bailey's healing.

Thrive On!