Meat and Potatoes

Naomi and Holt

by Lyn B. Sanders

Born with Cerebral Palsy and also challenged by Multiple Sclerosis, Naomi Bress, a 52-year-old bright-eyed, Wilmette woman now gladly makes the most of every day with Holt. Holt is a specially trained yellow Labrador, who has become Naomi's special companion. Trained carefully by a non-profit organization, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), Holt is the epitome of the finest dog-human partnership for a disabled individual. For Naomi, having Holt has meant the difference between constant dependence and freedom.

Naomi's life was never easy. From her earliest memories, Naomi knew her adopted parents were upset over her limitations, so she continually strove to try to be as 'normal' as possible. It never helped. She needed support, but her parents didn't want to acknowledge her disability. Besides the difficulty in just getting around, Naomi also dealt with uncaring peers, and the fear of not knowing when the next fall would happen.

Naomi's social challenges were never solved by a wheelchair. Before Holt, she'd feel lonely and uncomfortable meeting new people. Now, she welcomes new faces. Holt adds life to her days. Carefully trained since puppyhood, Holt's talented mind
is matched by his enormous heart. He not only knows sixty-four commands, but continues to learn new skills while tuning into Naomi's needs and concerns.

For a disabled person, even simple actions represent potential challenges: walking over a crack in the sidewalk… pushing the automatic door opener… remaining steady on a windy day. But Naomi and Holt perform their everyday routines regularly, surrounded by a sense of calmness.

From Naomi's experience, most people have never heard of service dogs. That poses a challenge. "There was an incident at Dunkin Donuts," Naomi recalled, where the manager refused to serve her with Holt at her side. "I took out my I.D. card, and the manager still refused to help us. I had to tell him - call the police." (The police confirm Naomi's legal rights if a problem arises.) In restaurants, Holt is so quiet that fellow customers often don't even notice him. One customer remarked, "Don't you wish kids would act as well as your dog?"
The lack of public awareness over service dogs reinforces the need for education.

On each of Naomi's excursions, Holt wears a blue vest, identifying him as a service dog. The vest also bears a zippered pocket for the dog's identification card, carrying a photo of Holt and Naomi with the CCI logo, as well as information about the American Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA legally allows service animals into business or public places, and prevents housing discrimination. The White Cane Law, an Illinois statute, also guarantees the right of persons to use guide dogs, hearing dogs and support dogs in public places.

With Holt's assistance, Naomi regularly volunteers to teach others about these canine companions. Why? "I want to give something back to CCI," she said, referring to her time spent in schools and nursing homes. "Service dogs are quite expensive." How much? Naomi throws out a staggering figure - over $10,000 each! (That amount doesn't include food, vet bills and play toys spent by dedicated volunteers who raise the puppies.)

How can most people afford such a dog? They don't! Canine Companions covers the dog's cost. It's a tremendous gift for disabled owners. The only charge is a $100 team training fee, which basically covers dog supplies. Disabled owners aren't responsible for the expenses in breeding, raising and training each dog. Instead, these costs are underwritten by private contributions, corporate and foundation grants and gifts. CCI receives no government funding, and therefore ongoing fundraising activities are important in paying for each dog's expenses.

What breeds make good service dogs? "We use Labs, Golden Retrievers, and a cross between the two," answers Debbie Felkamp, a Development Associate for CCI in Illinois. Felkamp serves as both an on-staff employee and volunteer in raising puppies. "Labs & Goldens love to retrieve and pick up dropped objects," says Debbie. "They're naturally bird dogs and the roof of their mouth is very soft. That's why they can handle a Styrofoam cup, an egg, eyeglasses, even credit cards, without puncturing anything."

Another reason for the success of Labs and Golden Retrievers is their natural friendliness with the public. "If you have a Lab or Golden at your side," Debbie adds, "people will feel comfortable in coming up to you. A lot of what we bring is social interaction for disabled owners."
Naomi confirms how her social life has expanded. "I've met a lot more people now who have dogs," she said. "Holt has opened me up to meeting more people. Besides that, Holt even changed some of the attitudes of residents in this building… people who used to be afraid of dogs are comfortable around Holt."

Her success stories of Holt's abilities abound. "I was making lambchops and Holt was in the bedroom. Something started burning in the building and the smoke alarm went off. Holt came racing in the kitchen, but I told him everything was alright. The alarm stopped, but ten minutes later, it went off again. Holt knew I should go. We hadn't even practiced opening the door, but Holt managed to open the door on his own, and sat waiting for me at the elevator. It was like he was saying - 'You don't think it's serious, but I'm out of here. I'm getting help.' He knew I had to leave!"

On another occasion, Naomi tripped and fell in the hallway of her building. "Holt got on the opposite side of the grab bar, so I could lean on him as I pulled myself up." If Holt wasn't there, what would she do? Naomi grimaced. "I'd be lying on the floor of the hallway calling 'help' -- hoping someone would hear me."

Holt's talents were honed after intensive efforts. Only the best - about one-third of the original dogs -- pass through CCI's rigorous dog program. At every stage, Holt was tested and evaluated for his working ability, temperament and suitability to be a working dog. Then, Holt joined a group of fellow dog graduates to get paired with his prospective human partner.

After a two-year wait, Naomi recalled how she felt after finally being paired with Holt. "I was really nervous walking with him," she said. "I wondered -- how am I ever going to bond with this dog?" The answer came to her several weeks later on her home turf. "I tripped on some bushes and dislocated my fingers. Holt put his head on my chest. He plopped his head there till the paramedics arrived," she said gratefully. At that point, she knew Holt really cared. "We've bonded well," Naomi acknowledged. "I don't walk with a cane in my apartment because Holt will walk right by my side."

Deep inside his doggy soul, Holt's instincts seem to understand Naomi's unspoken needs. When Naomi first returned with Holt, she'd awaken from sleep with severe leg spasms. "I've always had leg spasms. In the hotel, Holt used to sleep in a bed next to me." Naomi wanted him to lie next to her. "One night, I must have been groaning from the spasms. Holt jumped on my bed and put his body weight on my legs. For some reason, he was able to keep the spasms under control." Now Holt regularly sleeps on Naomi's legs, allowing her to sleep without pain.

In every way, Holt makes Naomi's life complete. "When I was growing up, I knew I was adopted," said Naomi softly, touching briefly upon a painful childhood, steeped with years of feeling unwanted. "I never got unconditional love." Holt's brown eyes look at Naomi with compassion, and she holds him close.

"With Holt," Naomi continues, "for the first time, I've found someone who is there to love me." She tenderly strokes Holt's head, and he leans against her. Holt's profile takes on a noble look, as he exudes a sense of pride. Holt knows his mission on earth, and he is fulfilling it. "He's a great companion," says Naomi with admiration. "Because of him, I'm more open and outgoing. With Holt, I'm able to trust people again. He gives me unconditional love, and I give the love back to him." What greater gift could there be?

For those who'd like to learn more, volunteer, apply for a service dog or contribute to CCI, check out their website at: www.caninecompanions.org. You can call locally at 847-816-7360. Five regional centers operate across the country, along with satellite offices in Colorado and Woodstock, Illinois.