On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Demi's big day

Demi had her final evaluation to be certified as a K-9 Support Dog and passed with flying colors.  There were 16 parts to the test to see how she interacted with strangers, sudden loud noises, other dogs, people pulling her ears and tail, crowds and basic skills (Sit, Down, etc.).  


As her teammate I was evaluated to see if I would be appropriate visiting in a hospital, could manage a group of unruly kids, was aware of my responsibility in keeping both my dog and patients safe and other bits and pieces. So I guess I can say that I passed too since she left with a new purple cape with the Assistance Dog Institute logo.  We're official.

I stopped for lunch on the way home and couldn't restart my car when I left. Fortunately I was close to home by then so Steve came with jumper cables and I followed him to a place that installs new batteries on a winter Sunday. So it was no big deal, just not exactly the ending I had anticipated after Demi's Big Test.

My new drawing class is going to emphasize proportion and perspective this semester, two areas where I could certainly use the help. To give myself a tiny head start I drew this little music box that a friend gave me shortly after I was diagnosed and not doing at all well. I've always appreciated her kindness.




2 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:00 AM

    Yay - congrats to both of you - well done. Faith is *very* impressed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations on passing the big test! i really like this little charcoal music box.

    ReplyDelete

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