Robin and Chauncey

Teamed Spring, 2007

I became disabled in 1999 due to a Valley Fever infection which I acquired while on an informal archeological dig in Eastern San Diego County. After initially affecting my lungs, the non-contagious infection progressed to become spinal meningitis which in turn affected my nervous system and my ability to walk. Now, from a wheelchair, my life has comprised a series of small victories accomplished one at a time. Each one allows me to progressively find my way back to a productive and satisfying way of life. Chauncey has been a miracle for me in this regard. When I began to entertain the idea of getting a Service Dog, I really didn't have any idea of the countless ways in which one might be able to assist me in my daily life. Chauncey continues to amaze me in that he himself is always looking for ways to make my life easier. He picks up dropped items, he can go get help for me from someone, and he knows how to bring the phone in case I should need to call in an emergency when no one else is home. I considered and applied to several different Service Dog organizations initially but it wasn't very long before I realized that Paws’itive Teams was the best match for me. Carol, Charli and the rest of the volunteer staff at Paws’itive Teams train their animals with a loving, positive and personally adapted approach which was not nearly as apparent in the other organizations. The Paws’itive Teams staff genuinely cares about whom their dogs go to and remain an integral and committed part of the Team’s life after placement. All of the things that Chauncey does for me are very helpful of course, but what I didn't anticipate was the degree to which Chauncey would find his way into my heart. What a wonderful addition has he been to my life! I don't know what I would do without him.