As a quad-amputee, I use a power wheelchair to get around. Recently I purchased a goldendoodle puppy who I've named Ollie. Contrary to what he may think, Ollie isn't merely a puppy. Eventually, he'll be my service dog. Though we are currently pretty far away from that phase in our lives, I'm already planning for that future. I'd like to offer a bit of insight into our experiences. Typically, service dogs are chosen for people. Since my approach is a bit different, I'd like to serve as a resource for other people with disabilities who may be in a similar situation.

11/5/2019 12:00:00 AM

My name is Bryanna Tanase and I am a 20-year-old woman living with cerebral palsy. For those of you who don't know, cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by brain damage that affects motor skills, coordination, and movement. My goal in writing this is to share how I started riding horses, what my journey has been like, and the benefits I receive from riding and being around horses.

6/25/2019 12:00:00 AM

Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers provides highly trained capuchin service monkeys free of charge to adults across the United States living with mobility impairments in order for them to receive the priceless gifts of greater independence, companionship, and hope.

9/18/2018 12:00:00 AM

Between checking bags, clearing security, getting to your gate on time, and trying to get that seat you want, traveling can be stressful. But what about traveling with a service dog? While service dogs can be of tremendous help to their owners, on top of all the normal stresses of traveling, the owner also has to worry about their service dog. Among the many questions you may ask yourself before traveling with your furry service companion, you may wonder: What if my dog has to use the bathroom after we've gone through security?

11/21/2017 12:00:00 AM

I am writing this blog on a train from Cork City to Dublin, Ireland. I was scheduled to be on the train yesterday, but Hurricane Ophelia came crashing and blowing into Ireland, the worst hurricane to hit Ireland since 1961. After 24 hours of high force winds and 350,000 homes without power, I have emerged with a new appreciation for tea, a hearth in every room, and the Irish sense of humour and their willingness to plod through, making the best of everything. Irish pragmatism wins the day...every day.

10/31/2017 12:00:00 AM

When I was given the honor of writing a blog post for Live Quickie, I was initially going to discuss the special bond that people have with their dogs. My six-year-old Golden Retriever, Sadie, is a hugely important part of my life, so of course I want to say everything I can about my love for her. I had a draft almost ready to submit when the horrific shooting in Las Vegas happened. How Sadie got me through the post-traumatic stress associated with it is what I truly would like to write about.

10/17/2017 12:00:00 AM

Therapeutic horseback riding, a type of equine-assisted psychotherapy, is a form of social, physical, and emotional therapy. In Ancient Greece, horseback riding was a well-known treatment for people who wished to rid themselves of physical or mental ailments. However, it wasn't until 1900 that therapeutic horseback riding began to be used in Canada and the United States.

10/10/2017 12:00:00 AM

Krystal Greco, 22, was only 14 years old when a ruptured disc left her paralyzed from the waist down. She had just started high school and had to face this life-changing injury on top of all the typical challenges and drama that come with being a teenager in a new town.

10/3/2017 12:00:00 AM