She got me out of phobias of leaving my own house and speaking to strangers that
I had since 1995 after a fall caused a broken neck. It left me with all sorts of
disabilities and nerve damage in my arms and hands. My having to take her out by
the patio to house break her along with giving her some exercise was the first
time I left my apartment on my own, even though it wasn’t much beyond my patio.
Puppies attract people and soon neighbours and children were coming to make a
fuss over her. Since the conversation was on her, I found the excitement of
talking to strangers a real break through and it became easier each time.

We gradually started walking a bit further and with her by my side, I felt
confident and excited at this newly found freedom. Words cannot begin to
describe from being a total recluse to being able to speak to strangers once
again. Shasta had given me the courage to make that huge step that many people
take for granted and I loved her all the more for it.

On good days we now walk all over within a 2 km. radius, which prior a walk to
the parking lot with someone by my side was over doing it. I’ve even bought a
bike and ride with her running beside me, plus she pulls my groceries home by
wagon or sled. She takes my garbage out the same way to the dumpsters’ out by
the roadway.

She can tell before I do that I’m about to have a panic attack and will alert
me, and if I happen to not be with her when I’m severely stressed or in one, she
has a special way to relax me. She is the confidence that I lack and together we
are whole.

She was my Service Dog in every way, only not certified as she got caught in the
red tape of the Breed Specific Legislation and not allowed to certify a
‘restricted’ or ‘grandfathered’ dog due to Ontario’s Pit bull Ban in Canada. She
may not have a metal to show for it, but she is my hero and has my heart to
prove it and while I qualified for a Service Dog, I would not trade her for any
‘acceptable’ breed as she has given me back life and now it was time to fight
for hers.

I thought both her and I will remain ‘restricted’ until we win the breed ban and
then she will show the world what a wonderful Service Dog she truly is. But due
to lack of proper information, I’m happy to say we are now on the right path and
we are so close to completing the final requirements of her becoming my
certified, Service and PSD and will start with her being ‘In Training’ until she
becomes fully accustomed to new surroundings, such as stores, buses, etc.

Shasta has successfully completed her CGN (Canine Good Neighbour) course and
received her certificate from Canadian Kennel Club. She loves people, kids, and
animals. She knows the difference between work and play and is excellent in
both. I have received letters from both my doctors stating I require her as a
working and supportive aid.

Once she has received her Temperament Testing certificate, along with her Urban
Dog certificate from the Delta Society, I also plan on continuing on and having
her registered through Canada, to the same degree that a Guide Dog of Canada is
registered. Not a necessity for a Service Dog, but I feel we have gone this far
that I want us to go the full route.

Because of the current Ontario Pit bull Ban, all the bullie breeds and
look-a-likes are required to be muzzled when out in public, even service dogs.
Because I require the use of Shasta’s mouth should I go into a panic attack or
high anxiety, she isn’t able to help me to her full potential. Her being
registered gives us the power to fight for that right, but for now, I’m just
happy to be able to have her with me doing what she does best and me enjoying
being as ‘normal’ and independent that I’ve ever been since before1995.

While life and health life still with it’s up and downs, there is no challenge
too great for us to overcome with the bond we have together.

Connie and Shasta