My name is Sheri Bockelman, and I am a stroke survivor since December 29, 2004. My brain injury caused left-side hemiplegia and cognitive deficits, so I require assistance in daily living. Since my disabilities considerably affect my mobility, I use both a manual wheelchair and power wheelchair. In 2006, I had a surgical procedure on my left ankle/foot called tendon transfer, to help me regain some balance and reduce equinovarus deformity; this helped minimize falling, and improved my ability to stand for short periods. In 2009, I had a colostomy. I am often weak and unstable because of chronic pain and physical disabilities. To regain more independence, and to feel safe at home alone, I wanted a Service Dog who could help retrieve dropped items, pull my wheelchair, help me balance, and perform other tasks.

My Assistance Dog (always in-training!) is Greta, a Yellow Lab/Australian Shepherd mix, adopted from the Houston S.P.C.A. in March, 2005, at six weeks old. I was in my third month of stroke recovery, and almost completely paralyzed on my left side. She slept with me the first night, and we easily bonded.

Although I am not a professional dog trainer, our family loves dogs and we raised three generations of Labradors; I had helped train basic obedience to each of them. Training Greta was a mission that I set my mind to, and researched for several months. I contacted one organization in Texas via email, hoping for some assistance, but was politely informed that they didn't offer training to "owned dogs." I was determined to self-train Greta, in spite of my new disabilities, and the wheelchair.

As a lifetime dog owner, I understood the canine "pack" mentality, so my biggest challenge was to keep my "alpha" role intact. I knew that I could never let Greta find me "weak" or let her overpower me - success requires committed, serious and focused teamwork during training. It was just as necessary for me to be prepared for training as a disabled person in a wheelchair, as to teach my dog social, obedience and advanced skills that will make her my life-line companion. Even when I was tired physically, or frustrated, I couldn't lose my patience - positive training experiences were essential for her to trust me and accept my role in our team.

We have several other pets in our family, including a fox-red Lab, Zeke, born in October, 2001. Greta and Zeke play and show affection to each other; Zeke is considered to be my husband's "best friend" and he is primarily an outdoor pet with an "igloo" dog house on our back porch. During Greta's early "obedience training," I brought her in the house to "work," while Zeke remained contented outside; that separation allowed her to completely focus on me. Our adapted system was effective because we remained consistent and disciplined: just like any training program. Greta stays inside with me most of the time, but enjoys the freedom of our fenced backyard to run and play when she is just being "a dog."

MyAssistanceDog.com chronicles our journey as I continue to personally train Greta - giving her the opportunity to gain special skills that help me in daily life. When necessary, I enlist my husband or other family to help in training, since there are some lessons that my disabilities restrict me from completing alone. Even in these circumstances, I control commands, remaining "alpha" leader in our training team. It is not an "overnight" process. Proper training takes patience and repetition, for both of us. As Greta matures, she learns more skills and gains the confidence to help me enjoy a more independent life.

Greta is very intelligent, learns quickly, and sometimes is an over-achiever (anything for rewards!). In October, 2008, she learned "open" door in only three short lessons. She "listens" to our conversations - sometimes we even have to spell words, or she'll go retrieve something she's heard us mention! She isn't rewarded for those "no-command" events - but she does receive accolades for those tasks I ask of her. She'll pick up anything I drop, find my phone, carry my clothes to the laundry basket, carry things to the kitchen trash, bring my pillow - I simply direct her attention, sometimes more than once, and she's happy to "help"!

My hope is that MyAssistanceDog.com will give other disabled people encouragement and insight into the benefits of self-training a canine partner, while providing the community-at-large with education, information and etiquette tips on service animals. 

My blog: The Mis-Adventures of Stroke Girl