THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 9, 1995 TAG: 9507060048
SECTION: REAL LIFE PAGE: K2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: REAL MOMENTS
SOURCE: BY KAREN SANCHEZ ESTES
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
O'DELL WASN'T just an ordinary best friend. She was the four-legged kind - beautiful with her long, golden tan and black coat. One floppy ear for that added indication of a special personality. She was a long-haired German shepherd that was trained as a Canine Companion Service dog.
O'Dell was placed with me upon my successful training, in July 1987. She was already trained for two years prior, learning 89 voice commands, in order to be placed with a disabled partner. O'Dell was the first Canine Companion placed in Virginia.
She was special to more people than myself. Because of O'Dell, the guide dog law was amended to give dogs, other than guide dogs, access rights.
O'Dell helped me live again after I faced death from a serious illness resulting from a staph infection. After nearly having my leg amputated, I lost my ``life'' as I had known it.
Now 35, I have had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 5. Before the infection, I was independent despite my limitations. But the infection left me struggling to learn to walk again with the aid of crutches, as well as learning to become independent in my daily life. I also had to adjust to having my ex-husband walk out on me in the midst of my illness and going on long term disability.
O'Dell was so instrumental in my rehabilitation that after only having her less than two years, I was walking without crutches and even going to parties and dancing. I was able to live on my own once again with no assistance other than that of my loving companion O'Dell. It was due to my successful rehabilitation that I met my new husband. We were married in 1991.
One year ago, on July 7, I had to put O'Dell to sleep. She had developed a massive tumor in her abdomen. It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life, and I still struggle with the loss, and the loneliness.
O'Dell was half of me. She taught that I was able to overcome physical limitations. She was my inspiration.
Few people know about service dogs (dogs trained to assist people with disabilities), including dogs for hearing impaired individuals. In the seven short years I shared with O'Dell, we traveled to many places, and spoke to thousands of people about disabilities issues and introduced them to the concept of service dogs. We did interviews for TV, radio and newspaper. I will always treasure my Partner in Awareness, and in her honor, I try to continue to educate and inform.
O'Dell was and continues to be my angel, and inspires all those who knew her.
I ask that this be printed, not only in honor of O'Dell, the first Canine Companion Service dog placed in Virginia, but in tribute to all those dogs who have been committed to a life of loyal and dedicated service to their human partners. O'Dell, I love you and I miss you. MEMO: Karen Sanchez Estes lives in Chesapeake with her husband, Larry, and her
white German shepherd, Amber. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
O'Dell, a Canine Companion Service dog, was the first such animal
placed with a disabled owner in Virginia. She died a year ago.
O'Dell served as ``flower girl'' for Karen Sanchez Estes' wedding in
1991. Also pictured is the bride's niece, Laura.
by CNB