For many years, I dreamed of getting a puppy, one with soft, silky ears, and a wet nose. A puppy with a tail that began wagging furiously whenever they saw me, whether I’d be gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours. As a person with a disability, I had another more practical reason for getting a dog, to train them to become my Assistance Dog.
When the day came to pick up our little girl, I fell in love instantly. We named her Luna The Cutie Pie, and she seemed to fit so seamlessly into my life, like she’d always been there.
Luna brings love, joy, and fun to our home and although still in training, she already assists me as a disabled person. If I feel my anxiety overwhelming me, I give Luna a hug and she helps me avoid a panic attack. When I drop something and can’t bend over to reach it, she can grab it for me. But most importantly, I feel safe and assured that she’ll always be there to help me.
The Limited Edition Service Dog brooch that She Loves Blooms and Poly Paige collaborated on reflects the loyalty, love, and unending enthusiasm Luna, and other Assistance/Support dogs have. I see Luna’s beautiful face in the brown eyes, and the big smile, and it has quickly become a favourite in my brooch collection.
Image description: Nay, a First Nations woman wearing a purple outfit and a very cute She Loves Blooms x Poly Paige Service Dog brooch, sits in a big black wheelchair out in the bush. Luna, a chocolate brown Labrador sits in front of her wearing a halter, lead, and collar.
Image description: Nay, a First Nations woman, wearing a purple top, animal print glasses and smiling widely sits in front of thick bushland. She wears a Limited Edition She Loves Blooms x Poly Paige Service Dog brooch, the brooch is the head and shoulders of a smiling, golden furred dog, with a blue collar. On the collar is a red heart and the words Love and Loyalty printed on it.
Image description: Nay, a First Nations woman, wearing a purple top, animal print glasses and she looks off frame in front of thick bushland. She wears a Limited Edition She Loves Blooms x Poly Paige Service Dog brooch, the brooch is the head and shoulders of a smiling, golden furred dog, with a blue collar. On the collar is a red heart and the words Love and Loyalty printed on it.
Image Description: Nay, a First Nations woman, wearing a grey turtleneck, with long, wavy, brown hair smiles widely. She wears a Limited Edition She Loves Blooms x Poly Paige Service Dog brooch, the brooch is the head and shoulders of a smiling, golden furred dog, with a blue collar. On the collar is a red heart and the words Love and Loyalty printed on it.
Renay Barker-Mulholland is a proud Biripi Daingatti woman and lives in Wathaurong country (Victoria, Australia). She has been living with disability and chronic pain for many years and loves her Assistance Dog, Luna.
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Dianne haynes
October 20, 2021
What a beautiful story .