Author: Jacqui Lowman

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Boston or Bust

Saint and Dusty visit Dr. Gomery

Hello, Everyone.  Saint and Dusty here!  We’re sorry that we haven’t blogged in quite a while.  We promise to try to do better. 

We’ve been really busy getting ready for our big adventure.  Abi helped us a lot during this past academic year.  There was so much planning to be done.  Since school let out in May, we have been working hard to implement many of the plans.  We have to take most of our food and medicine with us.  We have been doing LOTS of packing.  Actually, Mummy does the packing.  But we help by watching her—we think that it encourages her. 

Last week we had the chance to do a little trial run for our big trip.  It was our first trip outside of Maine in a long time.  First we stopped and gave our van, Miracle, a spa day at Mobility Works.  She felt re-energized after that.  Then we went onto Boston. 

While we were in Boston, we went to see Mummy’s doctor at Mass General, Dr. Gomery.  During the pandemic, Mummy had only been able to meet with him through Zoom.  It was really great to see him again.  He’s a good doctor.  And he loves us: Saint and Dusty.  Mummy took a cute photo of us all to share.

Afterwards, we were able to go see Mummy’s sister, Aunt Sharon.  Because of the pandemic, we hadn’t been able to see her for a few years, either.  Aunt Sharon is really good to us.  She had a feeding station for us with lots of fresh water and plenty of carrots.  We even got to see Aunt Sharon’s daughter, Megan, her husband, Brian, and their little boys.  We loved playing with the little boys.  And wow, did Dusty ever run around like a wild critter in their fenced backyard! 

Things went so well and it was such good practice for the upcoming big trip.  Please stay tuned for more on that next week.

Hugs and wags and kisses.

Saint and Dusty

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We’re BAAAAACK!

We are happy and sad to see Abi graduate. We know that she will keep doing amazing things!

Hello, Everyone.  Saint and Dusty here.  We know—it’s been way too long since we blogged with you.  Like you, for the last few years, we’ve just been trying to chug along through the pandemic. 

But things are looking up!  Spring is coming to Aroostook County.  The grass is getting green and it’s lovely to be able to go out and lie in the sun.  That makes us feel like puppies.

Recently, UMPI had its first onsite graduation in two years.  It was wonderful to celebrate the hard work and success of so many students.  It did make us a little sad that they are now leaving the nest.  But that’s the way it should be.

We’re also super excited that we will be leaving on a big adventure in July.  It’s going to be, as Dusty would say, AMAZING!  We promise to do our best to blog along the way.  So please follow along with us in this space.

Take care.  Be well.

Saint, Dusty, Mummy

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If You Can, You Must Podcast: Episode 1

Hello everybody and welcome to the If You Can, You Must podcast series.  In our first episode, we will meet Dr. Lowman from the University of Maine at Presque Isle.  Dr. Lowman has two service dogs and is an expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act.  She makes the perfect first guest for our service dog and social justice podcast.  Listen as we share stories, and discuss the ADA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDK0z8z_0KQ&t=1s

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If You Can, You Must Podcast: Episode 2

In this episode, we discuss removing “no” from your vocabulary.  Both guests have inspiring stories about the work they’ve done to fight for social justice.  Pam’s daughter Nicole can’t see, but Pam wasn’t going to let a disability stop Nicole from reading.  And Dr. Lowman has a lifetime of battles living with a disability that have helped shape her into the teacher she is today.  Both are full of stories and were kind enough to share them with us on If You Can, You Must’s second episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAi0k2yxKbA&t=8s

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If You Can, You Must Podcast: Episode 3

In this episode of If You Can, You Must, we meet Kristin Hartness from Canines for Disabled Kids.  CDK is an organization that pairs service dogs with children, and Kristin plays an enormous role with the organization.  Additionally, she uses a service dog and advocates for other people with disabilities.  Kristin’s expertise and stories are sure to provide listeners with a treat.  Sit back and enjoy our conversation about all things service dog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAi0k2yxKbA&t=8s

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If You Can, You Must Podcast: Episode 4

The theme of this episode of If You Can, You Must is first impressions.  We meet Tiffany Smith and Melanee Terry who are both classmates of the host and students of Dr. Lowman.  Our conversations lead to sharing memories of our initial encounters with service dogs, and they extend to what we know now.   I hope this episode entertains and teaches viewers through the perspectives of apprentices in the service dog industry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNAQUYpxviE&t=3s

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Mummy Never Gets Turkey

My favorite holiday is almost here: Thanksgiving Day. I don’t concern myself with the
history of the day, but wow is the food good. I’m a big supporter of any holiday that encourages
snacks. When Mummy, Dusty and I were in the store the other day, I saw a whole bunch of
people with carts full of pies and turkeys. Those people’s dogs are so lucky. My mummy hasn’t
made turkey since I was little and Gramma was still with us. I couldn’t help but drool at the
thought of my very own turkey.

All day in class, all I could think … what we were going to eat.

As much as I am excited about the food, I’m also kind of sad for Thanksgiving this year.
Usually, we go back to school after Thanksgiving and I get to tell all my friends about our holiday. But this year, I heard we don’t get to come back until next semester. I just know I’m going to miss my friends so much, especially the ones who are graduating. Dusty doesn’t know it yet, but having been in school for a long time now, I know how hard it is to say goodbye. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’ve decided to think about what I’m thankful for. I think I’ve
got it narrowed down to a pretty good list, too. First, I’m very grateful for carrots. They are my
favorite treat, and I’ll do just about anything to get one. Next, I’m super thankful that Mummy
didn’t get another service dog this year. It was bad enough last year when we brought Dusty
home. Now I’ve got to share all of my stuff with her, and she doesn’t let me have any privacy.
She better not expect to get any of my Thanksgiving snacks. I mean, I do love her–she’s my
little sister after all. But boy, sometimes she can really tire me out.

The last thing I am thankful for is my family. I don’t know where I would be without
Mummy, and together we have done so many amazing things. I get to come to school every day and see my kids, and nobody minds my snoring, either. I think I’ve got a pretty good life. So for
the most part, you won’t hear any complaints out of this old service dog this Thanksgiving.

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Goodbye for Now, Friends

Hi friends: Dusty here. Saint and I have had a great semester so far. We have loved seeing all
our friends. When everyone came back to UMPI this fall, Saint and I were over the moon.
Mummy had some worries that we might not have a semester together because of this COVID-
19 stuff. But Saint and I knew our friends would find their way back here.

We’ll be eagerly waiting for you to come back next semester!

Quarantine this summer was weird for us service dogs. We’re used to the hustle and bustle of
Mummy’s everyday life. It was nice to be home, but also not the normal we are used to. When
we heard that our friends would for sure be coming back for classes in the fall, we were so excited. I suppose we just didn’t realize how fast Thanksgiving would be here.
Mummy says that our friends won’t be back until the spring. Saint keeps telling me it’ll be OK, but I’m sad. I’ve had fun guessing who’s who behind the masks, which made me nervous at first. I miss not seeing my friends smile when they laugh. I’m going to miss their being here even more, though.

Saint told me that we’ll still be able to see all our friends over Zoom. I remember sitting in on
Mummy’s Zoom classes at the start of quarantine. It’s weird because we can hear all our friends,
but we can’t smell them. I suppose though that Saint is right, it will be OK.
We look forward to spring semester together and seeing everyone again. Until then, we hope
that you remember to keep washing your hands and practice social distancing. If you feel sick,
stay home. We’re going to get through these extraordinary times together.

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Might Be a Pinch in the Day, But Dr. Hotham’s Treats Are Worth It!

It was a usual morning for me. Mummy got up early, and I, Saint her service dog, helped her
get ready for the day. I got her clothes on for her, walked on the treadmill and we both had
breakfast. Then, we got into Miracle and I hopped onto my seat and was ready to go to work
with Mummy for the day. “Saint, ready to go to the vet?” she asked me. Oh right! I forgot: that
day I got to go to Dr. Hotham’s!

Saint getting lots of love from Dr. Hotham.

I am not like most dogs. I’m not scared of the vet. Actually, I enjoy Dr. Hotham. I sighed
and decided to take a nap on the way to the vet. Once we arrived, Mummy called them to let
them know we were there. You see, with COVID 19, Mummy can’t go in with me to the vet. So
she has to let them know so that they can come get me. A vet tech soon came out and walked me
in to see Dr. Hotham.

“Well hi there, Saint!” Dr. Hotham said as he came into the exam room. I walked over to him, wagging my tail the whole way. He gave me plenty of pets and some scratches behind the ears before starting the exam. He checked me all over and said I was in very good health. He called Mummy to let her know I needed a rabies shot and she told him to give it to me. So, one
small pinch later—and some delicious treats–I was brought back out to Mummy and I happily
greeted her. Then, once we paid for the visit, off we went to school.

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On the Road Again With Miracle 2.0

Hello Everyone. Saint and Dusty here! 2020 has been a year of changes and adaptations for our family. We knew something was wrong when our time was cut short with students in March. It has been a strange year, but something good came out of it this summer when we got Miracle 2.0. After years with Miracle 1, Mummy made the decision to upgrade the van. We welcomed Miracle 2.0 to the family during this summer and we couldn’t be happier.

Dr. J and the girls make their way inside Miracle 2.0.

Miracle 2.0 is a Chrysler Pacifica, with new and improved features. Saying goodbye to Miracle 1 was not easy, since we had been on so many trips with her. We had put thousands of miles on Miracle 1 over the years, with trips to the West Coast and Canada. Miracle 1 carried us to many destinations over the years. These long road trips also brought along some van issues and tire problems. It was time for Miracle 1 to get some rest for all her hard work. A new van was brought into the picture and Miracle 2.0 was born.

Miracle 2.0 has a new sporty and elegant look, which will be perfect for our long trips. With a
well-functioning automatic ramp for Mummy and comfy seats for us, Miracle 2.0 is already
doing well. Miracle is bound to have some technical issues as the years go on, but new
adventures are not too far in the future. Although Miracle 1 was a special van, Miracle 2.0 plans
to make even more memories with us. These upcoming road trips might not be for a while, but
Miracle 2.0 is ready for it. With Mummy driving, us in the back and Miracle 2.0 in drive, the
world is an open road, and we can’t wait to see it.