i found a very lightweight wheelchair from Garman called the Ergo-flight. It is a natural flow of how the body curves throughout the entire chair. It is comfortable, and costs about $800, depending on the accessories you get. I am getting one next year, and cannot wait. I am gearing Lila up for use of my chair when we go out to stores, etc. and to school. I am so grateful to Lila, who has kept me balancing ever since she came a short 13 weeks ago. Now it will take some time for her to learn that she needs to pull me in the wheelchair, not just when we walk together. She is much better at school now, having a semester to get used to going to school and classes and work with me. She is amazing! She is two and a half, purebred German Shepherd, trained by a retired police dog trainer in service dog, therapy dog, and protection trained as well. She is a very striking Shepherd, so inquisitive, yet does what she knows to do when asked. I could not have afforded to pay for all her training. But the lady didn't want me to pay her. No, she gave her to me, with the only stipulation that she keep her AKC papers, that she be able to see her from time to time, and she KNEW that I was the one to get the dog. Lila has a harness/vest, but I will see how she does when she pulls me in the chair. I may have to get a different harness for her if she is a strong puller, which I think she will be. What a completeness I feel with her by my side. I am not afraid when I am walking down the street with her, or in a store, or at a restaurant. I no longer feel self conscious when I have her by my side. The store security knows us by name, and when she isn't with me, they ask where she is. She loves me way down deep. Even when I have to go up to the laundry room, she greets me as if I'd been gone forever, and wants to kiss my face. I looked for years for a shepherd that was trained, my daughter found her in a matter of days and Lila was in our home in three days, in our hearts always. She acts like our old dog Storm so much that our old cat Jazz is taken with her as well. Lila loves her too, and respects her instinctively. What a pair they make.
Oh well, just wanted to share a couple of things. My spine has gotten w lot worse in the last year or so, and my pain clinic dr thinks it might be time to look into surgery. So please pray about that with me. Also, school was grueling this past semester, and I have to take Elementary Algebra again cuz I got a D. I feel so stupid! But then it's on to get my BS in Psychology, then my MA in Counseling, and then to open a practice here where I live unless I find somewhere else to practice that has good benefits. I want to make a difference in people's' lives, give back in a way that conveys how completely I understand. It is a drive deep within my heart. Pray that I pass with a C or better this time. Thanks for everything, for your support, friendship, and help deciphering my feelings from what the truth may be.

Jewels

Lila sounds wonderful. I'm so happy for you both. You will be in
my prayers and I hope that your surgery will help you to fell better.

So Sorry for your pain.

hi jewels,

your dog sounds like the best. i'm glad you found each other.
i recently had back surgery and it was the best decision i made. my rehab has gone well and i am almost pain free (except for muscle pain).

i think you'll do fine in your schoolwork. anyone who has a passion in their heart for something will succeed. i was an RN for 35 yrs. when i went back to school for my BSN i had to take a remedial algebra class. math was never my best subject. but, i was able to pass and finished school.

best of luck to you. let us know how that all goes.

jewels. my sister was also a bad math student. I guess like the rest of her family. Anyway, she was able to take the classes along with the basketball team. They took it with this one special teacher who MADE sure they passed it and worked on them some times one on one. You know some athletes are recruited for their ability to play ball only but do not have good acedemic skills at all and it is kind of remedial. So she took it along with them. She also enjoyed the attention of all the guys! But she passed it well and not only passed but understood it so that when she went on for her masters and then PHD, she had the knowledge, no just the grade