Life with a Service Dog; An Eagerness to Live My Life Again!
My name is Paula Caldwell, and I am the one half of Team Paula and Ziggy. We became a team on Dec. 12th, 2019. Since Ziggy entered into my life, I have grown enormously with confidence as I own my independence! This Service Dog Team of Paula and Ziggy are just getting started, and I want to say that it has been a long time since I’ve felt excited to get up in the morning!
I could not even walk to the mailbox at the end of our short driveway. My body presents many challenges and difficulties that leave me unable to achieve FUNctional independence on my own.
I have Lupus which causes me to fall fast and hard with no warning. It became evident, with the severity of these falls, I needed help with my balance and movement. Lupus presents many challenges and difficulties that leave me unable to achieve FUNctional independence on my own.
For three arduous years, I searched for an organization to help me. I applied to numerous with no reply or not affordable. One day, the MobilityDog.org website popped up on my screen. I read Janie’s story and found inspiration in Service Dog Team Elliott’s life-changing exponentially! Not knowing what else to do, I picked up the phone and called, to my surprise, Janie Heinrich answered!
The Mobility Service Dogs-West Coast Project’s organization is extraordinary! Not only have I have been partnered with this beautiful dog, but I am part of the Community within MSD-WCP and a support system I rely on and go-to for solutions and friendship. Each week I attend MSD-WCP’s Tuesday Puppy Meetups, a community supporting and understanding my journey. Engaging with my therapists at Casa Colina Ryan Hospital as a Service Dog Team, we have learned how to walk seamlessly together and as I strengthen my core. My Service Dog, Ziggy, does many tasks for me, allowing me to live my whole life. Ziggy braces, counterbalance, gather my stuff to get her up and out of the house, retrieves dropped items, and medical alerts while truly supporting me every step.
My quest for living better began with my search to learn what a Service Dog does. Be it at the park with one of my grandsons, tending to my healthcare appointments, enjoying family gatherings, or cooking dinner, I have confidence and an eagerness to live my life again!
