Let Me Tell You About Two Best Friends...
The Bond Between a Boy & His Dog
Riley, an 11-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, and Libby, a three-year-old Golden
Retriever, were matched as a team in August of 2008. At the time, Riley was in a
wheelchair and only mildly interested in dogs. After many early morning walks and
numerous outings together, the bond between a boy and his dog began to build. Over
the ensuing months, Libby would attend and become and integral part of Riley's physical
and occupational therapy sessions. Libby would help Riley take off his t-shirts,
she would assist Riley as he learned to walk up and down stairs, while hanging onto
the railing with one hand and holding onto the strap on Libby's vest with the other
hand, and she would crawl along the floor "racing" Riley as he pulled himself along
on his floor scooter. Only a few months had passed when Riley decided that he would
no longer use a wheelchair, but would instead use his walker exclusively, with Libby
walking proudly beside him. All of a sudden, a whole new world had opened up for
Riley: he had his new best friend with him no matter where he went - to the movies,
to Legoland, to the toy store. So much of Riley's life is different now that he
has Libby is in his world. He is stronger now that he walks everywhere in his walker,
with Libby by his side. His speech has improved because he is learning to talk to
Libby and give her commands. He is much more self-confident and wants to go to new
places and explore what's around the next corner. And...one of the things around
the next corner for both Riley and Libby is adjusting to Libby's new harness that
has a rigid hand-grip for Riley - these two are learning to walk together as a team...just
the two of them...without a walker. Lisa, Riley's mom, recently said, "We are so
amazed at how much Libby has added to Riley's life! We appreciate TLCAD and Libby's
Trainer, Jan, helping us through all of the adjustments we have made together as
Riley has progressed." Let me tell you about two best friends...Riley & Libby...what
a team!
"We are so amazed at how much Libby has added to Riley's life! We appreciate TLCAD
and Libby's Trainer, Jan, helping us through all of the adjustments we have made
together as Riley has progressed."
- Lisa Pathman, Riley's Mother, October 2009