Willow here:)

So, it’s been almost three years that I came home to work with mom! Time does fly when you’re having a blast. You see, I love my job and I LOVE my mom. I get to go really interesting places, I help educate people (my favorite are the guys and gals in uniform with the big trucks), I have a really cool car just for me, I sleep on the bed, I have awesome siblings, great friends and I get to help mom whenever she needs me. I love being needed.

I also love that mom totally respects me and what I do. I’m not complaining but, I do work hard. Sure, I look adorable when you see me out in my harness with mom. In fact, a very nice man stopped mom just last night in the grocery store and simply said “you both are just beautiful.” Mom smiled and thanked him.

But here’s the thing, that was last NIGHT. Mom is so great about respecting the fact that I do have limitations! While yes, technically I am “medical equipment” I am still a living, breathing, being. I am not a walker or a wheelchair that is indifferent to environmental conditions! Lately, we have been having a heatwave. It’s been brutal! I know it’s really bummed mom out when she’s had to cancel or reschedule plans because of me. However, I love her even more for respecting the fact that making me work in 95-100 degree weather would be incredibly uncomfortable and dangerous to me. I understand my SD friends in the south wear “booties” to protect their paws when going from the car to their destination. I love that! They apparently have awesome moms and dads too!

I know mom tells people all the time that there are many things to consider when you are thinking about a service dog as a tool for your disability. Well, this is another one of those things. We don’t have screws you can simply tighten or tires you can fill when they’re low on air. You can’t fix our “squeaks” with a can of WD-40. We like you, have blood coursing through our veins. Only unlike you, we don’t “sweat”, we can’t take our “fur coats” off,  we can’t tell you we’re about to pass out from the heat or we’re  nauseated. It’s something to consider that while yes, you’re gaining an amazing partner (If I do say so myself) you’re also now responsible for another living being. Their welfare and in turn yours, depends on your good judgement and willingness to sometimes accept our limitations. Those limitations can impact your plans just as you not feeling well may cause you to change plans. It’s something that must be given thoughtful consideration.

As a team, we work with each others limitations. Mom has hers and I have mine. I don’t expect her to go running with me and she doesn’t expect me to work in conditions that put me at risk. She even is great about “checking in” if she thinks I may not be feeling well. She always gives me “time off” if she thinks I need it. We are partners who respect each others needs and…..

LIMITATIONS…….

~Willow- Woof!

Typing courtesy of Blaise (The Good Cat) he has those little kitty paws:)