Going To Kentucky

*To meet my on-line friends and my new angel, Haven.

She is beautiful!!

Contact me

Itinerary

Eight days in Frankfort, Oct. 2 - 9, 2006


I have had an unexplained seizure disorder since I was 15 years old and have been trying to find a service dog for quite some time. Due to my medical issues my lifestyle is poor and independence has been merely something I wish I could define. Over the past few years I have contacted several agencies regarding a seizure alert dog only to find out that it would cost upwards of $10-20,000 plus expenses. As a disabled mother this is something that was beyond my means and I eventually gave up all hope.

Not too long ago PBS aired a special on amazing animals which featured service dogs in many different fields including seizure alert and assistance. This show not only spiked my interests once again, but also that of my friends and family, and we began searching for answers. We were all shot down at every turn once again and the disappointment was immense.

A little over a year ago I joined a web site called daily OM where I have made many great friends and get to discuss the trials of life with like minded individuals. After the PBS special aired a discussion was formed on pets and the subject of service dogs came up. I composed a heartfelt post on how it is virtually impossible for someone who is in need of this type of thing to get help and told a little of my story; One of my friends on the site, Steve, sent me a message of hope. He told me that he and his wife Jill knew a trainer, Liz Norris- Pawsibilities Unleashed, in KY and asked if he could share my info with her. Liz and I began exchanging information, E-mailing back and forth right away and it was about 3 weeks later that I found myself planning a trip to go meet with these wonderful people who were about to change my life forever!

Liz had already found the perfect dog for me, her name is Haven. Haven was rescued from death row by Liz and began training right away. All of the canines that Liz deals with are temperament tested several times and must not have any history of aggression.
When I visited Liz's ranch there were dog's frolicking about everywhere. All of the animals she has there, whether they are her pets or "foster kids" were amazing! They had better manners than most children and were all in great health, they definitely know they are loved!

Liz has some very wonderful people on her team, I had the time of my life meeting them all. I am not sure if I have ever met so many caring people in one place before. Her assistant, Lori- owner of Good Dog in Georgetown, is also a trainer and friend to many. Everyone was very helpful during my stay and the training was above any I have ever seen.

I was able to take Haven back to my room the first night and she made the transition quite nicely. I had a seizure on the third night and Haven went right to work, she came to me about 5 min. before the episode and began to nudge my leg. I knew I wasn't feeling well so I was excited to see her pick up on it so quickly. She had been sleeping and woke up to come to my side, she refused to give up until I had done what she wanted me to do. I layed down right away, but I was too close to the edge of the bed and Haven knew that I was not safe there so she continued to nudge me and push on me until I scooted towards the middle of the bed. She then got up there with me and when I woke up she was holding position right by my side, licking my arm. All I can do is cry tears of joy for the opportunities this will create in my life, what a special gift I have been given!

Pawsibilities Unleashed charges their adopting families only the fees involved with the vetting, training fees, the paperwork of the dog and runs primarily on donations of dog food, money, aluminum cans, etc.. They also require a week stay in the Frankfort area for training and getting acquainted with your new friend and of course you would need to be able to cover any travel expenses.

I was able to get Haven for a fraction of a fraction of the cost of many other programs out there and many of those will only "lease" you the dog. I just can not imagine the mental anguish and pain of having to give up Haven if she were "leased".. How could anyone, morally, lease out their dog as if it were a car?

There are so many ways you can get involved in this very important organization and your support is welcome and always appreciated. There are many expenses involved with rescuing and training these special canines and it takes a LOT of food to feed 20+ dogs so one way to contribute is through donations. You can follow the links on this page to learn more about donating to Pawsibilities Unleashed.

Accommodations

We stayed at a hotel in Frankfort, inexpensive and conveniently located near many restaurants and stores. The staff was always friendly and eager to accommodate.

Best Value Inn
1225 US Highway 127 South
Frankfort KY, 40601

Eats

Thai Smile, 1193 Century Plaza, Frankfort

Trip Diary

Paramount Kings' Island in Cincinnati was awesome! Must ride the Beast, Vortex, and the slingshot.

The Trip in Pictures

The Album - http://lwalters9.photosite.com/Album1/

Recommendations

The Groom Shop
Lee Anne West- Owner
502-593-0058
petgrmr5@insightbb.com

Good Dog
lori Woodward- Instructor/Owner
lori@gooddog4u.com
www.gooddog4u.com

Paw-N-Order
liz Norris- Instructor/Owner
502-418-0056
liz@dcr.net
www.pawnorder.biz

Helpful Links
Pawsibilities Unleashed
Meet my friend Melorah
Paw-N-Order
Good Dog
Professional Grooming
Leashes etc...
Service dog supplies
Everything canine
Bandanna's for Fido
ID tags that don't jingle
The American Kennel Club