Our hope, of course, was that Cam’O would continue on this currently successful path until his next visit with the neurology veterinarian in October. At that time he was to receive a full re-evaluation of his situation and what we believed would have been a decision on his future as a service dog. We believed there was a strong chance that he would come off some medication at that time and the remainder of the medication in the months following that appointment. If there was no relapse he could be off the medicine permanently. Could his originally diagnosed condition return? There are no definitive answers to that question at this time. We would not want to see Cam’O placed as a service dog if his affliction could possibly return and leave him unable to perform his job as a service dog. It’s important that he would be fully able 100% of the time with no concerns of a possible relapse.
“Our hope for Cam’O now is a new path that will provide him the opportunity to use his great skills and talents, coupled with his unconditional love and understanding, in a manner to serve others. ”
Long story short, Cam’O is now our family pet. Yes, he continues taking medication. We were fortunate and are very thankful that Paw Pals Assistance Dogs provided the funds for his medication since last October. We have now personally taken on those expenses as well as all veterinary care.
Cam’O will miss his regular visits to a variety of stores and multiple establishments as well as his twice-monthly puppy class. He loved “dressing” in his red puppy coat. He seemed to know that the puppy coat meant an outing. He’s uncertain for now as to why he does not get to go with us nearly every time we leave the house. Of course he’s happy to stay with his big sisters, but he still thinks he belongs with mom & pop when we grab the car keys and head out of the house. We, too, miss taking him with us as we venture out for errands or a little fun. He was always a very popular fellow. There will be many questions and we will do our best to answer them intellectually and without emotion. But yes, we’re sad that his future as a service dog has ended.
This is a sad story today, but the sun will come out tomorrow and in time shine brighter and brighter. Our hope for Cam’O now is a new path that will provide him the opportunity to use his great skills and talents, coupled with his unconditional love and understanding, in a manner to serve others. There are many other jobs for him, not the least being a therapy dog. Our first goal now for Cam’O is to have him tested and registered as a therapy dog. The testing appointment is already scheduled. Our life has been altered, as he cannot come with us everywhere we go. We will seek out functions that welcome dogs, as continued socializing is an important and great benefit.
Our thanks go out to all who have loved and supported Cam’O across the miles. I only wish you could have met and petted him personally, and perhaps you will someday. A personal experience with Cam’O is what the first graders thoroughly loved for two consecutive years. All that soft fluff was a treat for them to run their fingers through and Cam’O loved it. It has been a truly wonderful experience for Cam’O and one I hope can continue as he serves others in the capacity of a therapy dog, under my care and direction. Next year? We plan to continue volunteering in first grade, but this time Cam’O will be in the role of a therapy dog.
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