My dog won a special award for being my helper!

[Sparky10]

The local Humane Society has a fundraiser every year called "Bark in the Park". They offer cute contests like "Most beautiful, Cutest Puppy, etc. The first year I went, in '97, I took my Rottweiler, Sparky. Entered him in "Friendliest Dog" just to show people that not all Rottweilers are mean and nasty dogs.

He won! Got a little trophy and his pic in the paper.

This year, I took Sparky's son, Lightning. Sparky died at 13 y/o nearly 3 years ago. Entered him in "Most Talented". When asked what his talent is, I explained that I have Multiple Sclerosis, and Lightning taught himself to help me.

We walked around the stage with me leaning heavily on him. He never faltered. Then, I kind of crumpled to the ground to simulate a fall. Lightning laid down right beside me. As I used him to lean on to get up, he sat up at just the right moment to help me stand!

I was so proud of him ~ it was like it was choreographed.
This is what he taught himself to do.

And he won Honorable Mention! They'd never had a Service Dog display before!

[slogo]

Way to go Lightening! He sounds like a really smart and loving companion.

My Zoe has always taken care of me when I have had some bad cases of jerks, she always licks me until I feel better and she is satisfied that I am OK. :)

[Julie]

Woo hoo and three cheers for Lightning. What a good dog. You should be so proud of him.

[snoozie]

Sparky, that is awesome! I love Rotts they are so smart and very friendly. I have had two mixed Rott's and one passed at 13 and the other one is 8 and going strong. Now I have a pit bull mix who is as sweet as a lamb. Of course my dogs are a part of the family and sleep in the rooms with us so I think that has alot to do with their personality. That really is so neat that he taught himself to do that for you...Sue

[sjp_fanatic]

I think Cocoa may have that in her. When I have one of my "mini-spells", Cocoa is right there. I think maybe she can tell when I get one. (I was on anti-seizure meds for a little while a few years before I got her.)