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February 2000 CCI Courier:
Southeast Graduate Profile
MELISSA and CHRYSTAL
Melissa waited a year and a half for a Skilled Companion. For much of
that time, a girl just her age (Kerinne L.) was rasing the golden retriever
pup who would one day be Melissa's assistance dog. So it's no surprise that
Chrystal turned out to be just the kind of dog she requested: very
interactive and affectionate. "She likes to lick my face and put her head
onmy lap. I like it."
Soon to be a high school senior, Melissa likes school, especially math and
English. She enjoys reading mysteries and comics. Currently she is very
interested in psychology and in interior design as areas of future study. She likes moving things around and playing with colors. When she received a
new bedroom through Make-A-Wish, she helped design the look of it: the color,
the furniture, and even the floor. The desk with many compartments was key.
And now there's a little bed for Chrystal.
Melissa, who has spinal muscular atrophy, loves Chrystal's company and is
appreciative when she retrieves dropped items. Her mom Fran adds they've had
to teach Chrystal that she's Melissa's dog. The challenge in convincing
the
rest of the family to keep their hands off Melissa's friendly companion.
Fran and Melissa are looking forward to "customizing" Chrystal's
training
repertoire to meet more of Melissa's specific needs.
Meanwhile, they are enjoying the social "ripple effect" of making new
connections because of Chrystal. They've been trading stories, by email,
with people they met during Team Training. Coral Springs volunteer
organizations have invited Fran to speak, and a local dog trainer requests
that Chrystal demonstrate her skills at an agility class. Melissa and Fran
get many questions about CCI. That's when they take out the thick album
that
Chrystal's puppy raiser (Kerinne) made for them. They are definitely keeping
in touch with her!
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