Patrick and Kona

Teamed Summer, 2009

“I decided to apply for a service dog at this time to help me become more independent, in many ways. Since I just turned 15 and hope to start driving in another year, a service dog would make a big difference in case I drop my keys or cell phone and they fall in an awkward place in the van. One of the biggest things Kona does to help me is to take my shoes off. At night I’m able to transfer into bed and swing my legs onto the bed but need my shoes on to accomplish that. Once I’m on the bed, I tell Kona “shoe” and, with a little encouragement, he’ll take my shoes off one by one and bring them to me. Sometimes he likes to toss them at me so I have to watch out for flying shoes. In the morning Kona helps me make my bed. I am also able to go out my front door and have Kona pull the door shut behind me. Before Kona, I always had to have someone close it. Now I can take Kona outside independently. Kona is going to school with me and helps me by picking up anything I drop. He has become the newest Sophomore at Scripps Ranch High School. I’m pretty sure I can tell you that his least favorite class is chemistry. On day 2 of class, as we all donned goggles, my teacher asked if Kona wanted a pair. “What? I’m pretty sure Kona does not want a pair of goggles.” Since we were obviously doing an experiment that could potentially be dangerous, I moved Kona inside the doorway, away from where the experiment was taking place. What my teacher failed to tell me was that the experiment ended with a loud explosion. Kona promptly shot three feet in the air and hid behind me. To add insult to injury, during that same day Kona got to experience his first fire drill. Yes, high school is full of surprises…especially for a four legged student. His favorite period of the day is lunch. Needless to say, “Leave it” is still a work in progress. I think Kona and I were made for each other. He can be stubborn and goofy at times and my Mom always tells me “Well, now you know how I feel.” Kona is such a cool dog though and he’s become a part of my family now. He definitely has been working hard on his skills and we’re working better every day as a team.” Patrick (9/09)