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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Treat or Treat
Why do people say Trick or Treat? I think we should cut to the chase and ask for what we
really want: treats, treats and even more treats. To heck with the tricks, that’s puppy stuff for
Saint and me. We are certified service dogs, and we won’t be doing tricks for anybody. We
talked it over, and my sister and I are going to ask only for treats.
Hey everybody, Dusty here, and I’m so excited for Halloween this year! I know it must be
soon, because the leaves are crunchy on my paws. I can almost smell all the candy, and it’s
getting hard for me to wait! I haven’t quite decided on what I want to be, but even if I did, I
wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise before the Halloween party. Last year, my big sister Saint
and I were a huge hit. We dressed up as cats! It was hilarious! I mean, c’mon now, dogs as cats!
Does is get any crazier than that? It was a foolproof couples costume, and it’s going to be a hard
one to beat this year.
Last year was my first Halloween at UMPI, but lucky for me, Mummy teaches a lot of
classes, and I got to party with all of them. All of the kids wear masks, and not just the masks
they wear on other days. These masks have faces on them, and some of the faces are really
scary. I hope there aren’t any scary ones this year, because Saint and I are going to six different
Halloween parties in one day. Even better, some of the kids bring candy to the parties! When
Mummy isn’t looking, I’m going to grab their wrappers out of the garbage. Goodness I love
Halloween!
Best wishes,
Dusty Lowman