Netiquette (Internet Etiquette)
The Wounded Healing the Wounded
Overcoming - Through the Human-Animal Bond
By: Rhonda Langille
Many years ago I stuttered. All of my childhood memories included my speech impediment. When I tried to speak a sentence that would normally take just a moment to say; it always took me at least 3 minutes to get it out. School was a problem, because the other children were not always kind. To end the teasing I decided to stop talking all together.
I started speech therapy classes two times per week, for five years and the problem persisted. My speech therapist told my Mother that a puppy might help, because she knew I really liked animals. When I turned 12 my Mother and I went and bought a puppy from the local SPCA. It was love at first sight. My Father named her Timi. Timi grew quickly all the while getting into mischief. My Mom said I had to take her to obedience classes. I knew I would have to talk so I didn’t want to go.
I accepted the challenge and faced my fear. At first I was nervous, but soon became very keen. In the second class the instructor told me that my dog would never learn as he could not understand me. I was told to speak clear. I was very upset, as I wanted to speak clear and I wanted my little Timi to learn. The next week I came back and to everyone’s surprise I was speaking very clear giving clear commands and praising my dog just the way my instructor Paul told me to. I was so happy! My dog came first in the class. I was so proud. Timi learned over 100 commands and 95 signals. We went on to perform in fairs and at children’s parties – both dressed as clowns.
After that I started to enjoy speaking and hardly ever stopped. When I was 20 years old I joined Toastmasters where I learned public speaking. I started to speak at seminars and group talks on various subjects. I also became a public speaking judge.
I have learned that we all have challenges, some we see, some we hear, and some we don’t even know about. But life is a beautiful gift and I am so thankful for my little dog Timi who gave me the confidence and determination to confront and overcome my problem.
If you have the same problem I had I hope my story will be one of encouragement. Don’t give up your breakthrough could be just around the corner.
The Journey of Light & Sound
My name is Kevin Frost. I am deaf and blind because I have Usher Syndrome. Usher Syndrome is a condition that takes away your hearing early in life and your vision later in life. I was diagnosed at the age of 32. My life was turned upside down. I lost my job, driver’s license and hobby refereeing, because I now have 5% hearing and 10% vision left. I decided to stay positive and get on with life. Thanks to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, I received a guide dog named Nemo, who has given me my independence back. Nemo accompanies me everywhere I go.
I am involved with international speed skating against able bodied skaters and have won 20 medals so far. I’m trying to get speed skating added to the Paralympics and do presentations to educate people and businesses about disability issues. My most recent accomplishment is that I have been pre-selected for the Paralympics Adaptive Rowing team for Canada.
For More Information Visit: Kevin Frost
For more information on this emerging Animal Assisted Support Services Community be sure to visit us.
Hi Rhonda, I just recently read a book called “Talking for two”, by Wanda Brunstetter, this girl stuttered also and it was through puppets and becoming a ventriloquist that she overcame her stuttering and after reading your story I was reminded of this book. I am glad you have your dog because I have a service dog also and I cant tell you how much he does for me.
Hi Christina,
Thank you for the information on the book “Talking for two”. I will order it and I know that I will enjoy reading it. I truly appreciate you taking the time to let me know about it.
Because of my love of dogs, and many experiences over the years, I became a certified service dog trainer. I am now in the process of starting a service dog training center in Nova Scotia. I write this as you have a service dog. I so hope that you have many years with your great friend and working partner.
I do a lot of work with children, as well as adults with both physical and mental challenges. I have found that many children who have stuttering problems also have hidden challenges that are not easy to see, but a dog can be a huge benefit.
Thank you again, and I do appreciate you taking the time!
Rhonda
Rhonda, you might be able to get that book at the library also, that is where I found it. Charlie is only three years old and I know I will enjoy him for many more years to come. Charlie has been my help to get back into the community and actually do my shopping at a more relaxed pace knowing that he is at my side helping me to get through the day. Joanne Moss had our story in her journal this last time under “Christina and Charlie”. Also over the next few years I hope to get started on a book that I want to write called “Adventures with Charlie”. Due to having Charlie from 3 months until now at 3 years old we have had many adventures and he has lead a different life than an average dog because I am not your typical dog owner. He seems to know he was meant to be a service dog and has the qualities that make him a good service dog, especially out in public. I have been told this many times especially when people see him and I have been training him myself.
Keep me posted about your new training school and perhaps some time down the road we can make a trip to Nova Scotia and see your school and perhaps do some traveling around the Maritimes to see some places such as Anne of Green Gables, and many others.
It is good to share our stories and learn from others in similar situations.
Thank you.
Christina and Charlie
Kevin, I just read your comments above and went to your web site and the most impressive thing here is that you never gave up on your dreams. Many people give up on their dreams way too fast. The other thing that impressed me the most that the public and businesses need to be educated about disabilities. In the past few months now that I have Charlie (service dog) out and about in the stores and malls one of our biggest things is to educate the public about service animals and how important that they are to people who need them to live a normal daily life and what they do for us. With Charlie it has enabled me to get out more than before I had Charlie as a Service dog because I would stay home and only go out long enough to do a few things and quickly return home and now that Charlie is with me are busy and out. Dealing with my situation since 2003 and just now getting Charlie as my service dog has been the best 4 months.
Hope you win the gold, not only for yourself but for others with disabilities and to let the world that just because you have a disability doesnt mean to have to stay home and do nothing. We are just like everyone else we just have a special unique situation about us and we have a wonderful friend in our Service Dogs.
Good Luck
Christina and Charlie