Katie and Mike
Submitted by Mary Lou Connolly
It is a sight for a mother’s eyes, a picture of peace and contentment: the handsome dark-haired son sleeping peacefully next to the adorable blonde who is mirroring his position. It is matched only by the image of the son and his faithful Katie walking side by side on the Mira Costa campus. Love, loyalty, friendship, Michael and Katie has all of that and so much more.
Katie, a TLCAD lab, came into the Connolly family’s life nearly a year ago. And much to our extreme pleasure, nothing is the same. Michael, saddled with uncontrolled epilepsy for eighteen of his twenty-three years, has in Katie, a constant companion who requires care, attention, and training. Through Katie, he has learned to be totally responsible for a being other than himself. He has progressed from taking nearly a half hour to figure out leash, TLC jacket and headgear arrangement, to throwing those items on in seconds as he and Katie are walking out the door. Oh….and all the while remembering to carry the extra treats, tennis ball, and poop bags that he needed reminding about just a few months ago.
Michael’s mom describes the profound changes she’s seen in Michael since Katie came into his life.
She IS Michael’s dog -- no doubt about it. She follows his every command, and eagerly responds to his affection. And, what affection… He may not like talking in the high, excited, pitch recommended by the trainer, but he has found his own way of communicating “good dog, well done” and Katie is ever so responsive to it.
It will be another eventful day when Katie learns to seek our help when Michael is having a seizure. I know she will get there -- she’s bright, eager, and learning his every movement; so it’s just a matter of time. However, if that day never came, we would all still be grateful for the transformation that has already occurred because of Katie.
First, Michael can go for a walk in the neighborhood and even if we still have some fear he may have a seizure, we know he won’t be alone. For Michael, it means he can have some time alone; time away -- important for a 23 year-old who can’t escape home by hopping in a car. He’s walking with more of a swagger these days, my son. Yes, he’s more confident. He’s trained a dog -- not an easy task. He’s caring for her -- feeding, grooming, picking up after her, even joining in on the vacuuming, which having a yellow lab requires. He’s bringing her on campus and she’s quite the attraction. She’s an ice-breaker that’s for sure.
We are all quite enamored of Katie and so impressed with how quickly and solidly she and Michael have become a team. We are profoundly grateful to TLCAD and especially to the trainers, Sally and Cecily. There is no way we could have known the difference a service dog would make to Michael’s quality of life. Lastly, we are so proud of Michael. He has been consistent, focused, and devoted. I’m sure if she could, Katie would tell him so in a high-pitched, happy voice “well done.”
Currently, Cecily Ryan, Katie’s trainer, is working with Katie and Michael on her seizure response behaviors, getting help and licking Michael’s face to arouse him. Trainer Ryan is pleased to report that Katie has successfully gotten “Get Help” by running to Michael’s parents a number of times during the day and at night to get them. Katie is on her way to success!
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