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Michelle and Hayden
It's easy to take life for granted but, 6 years ago, within the space of just 24 hours, Michelle's life took her on a dramatic and unforeseen detour when a rare autoimmune disease took hold of her body. Within 2 years, the unpredictability of the symptoms, the fatigue, inflammation and resulting pain meant that Michelle had to quit a job that she loved in social services and became less able to participate in social gatherings with friends and family. Life had more curve balls for Michelle. In the past 2 years, she has developed balance problems and, as side-effects of the only prescription medication that eased her pain, she lost the sight in one of her eyes and now has congestive heart failure. It's easy to understand how Michelle became less confident and outgoing and became depressed.
Sometimes life's joys take the most unlikely forms and one of Michelle's started its journey the day a dog breeder in Idaho donated a puppy "labradoodle" called Hayden to Summit Assistance Dogs. Michelle learned of Summit's work while researching "seeing eye dogs" in the event she were to lose the sight in her other eye. She hasn't but Michelle hadn't realized the many ways that dogs are able to assist people. For Michelle, the benefits began as soon as she talked with the people who work at Summit because of the way they treated her with warmth and respect. After waiting only 1½ years, Michelle was introduced to Hayden and the pair has become inseparable.
Hayden has helped Michelle regain her independence and self-esteem. He helps Michelle maintain her balance and avoid the painful consequence of bumping into things that are on her blind side. Hayden can get Michelle's partner if she needs her and he can bring her drugs and the phone in an emergency. But Hayden provides much more. Michelle is responsible for every facet of Hayden's life and his needs help her to disregard her own problems.
From their earliest days together, Hayden has demonstrated his love for people. On a visit to Michelle's sister, Hayden was the first to respond to Michelle's niece's crying by consoling her with a stuffed animal that he dropped into her bassinet. Michelle and Hayden extend their love for children by volunteering at an elementary school and helping the kindergarten and third grade kids with their reading. No, Hayden doesn't actually read to the kids but he's terrific at having his belly rubbed while he listens to them read and he eats every treat that they provide him!
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