Pet-iculars
Fur Ever Friends
William and Donna Waltrip, Pumpkin’s sponsors, pose with Mike and his furry pal.
M
“It seems as if there are so many ways Pumpkin has touched Michael's life that it is hard to list them all,” says Mike’s mother.
ike, a former U.S. Marine who suffered a traumatic brain injury, has an extra-special reason to get up and get going every day.
Her name is Pumpkin. Mike and Pumpkin, a PAWS Assistance Dog-trained Golden Retriever,
were paired as partners earlier this year. The Naples-based PAWS Assistance Dogs is a 501c3 nonprofit organi-
zation that promotes independence for combat-wounded veterans and children with life-changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs. The organization places the Golden Retrievers at no cost to those they serve. PAWS also provides education and community out-
reach through therapy and ambassador dog programs. Mike lost his leſt eye in a tragic accident that caused the brain injury. His injury created
challenges for Mike, including balance problems and short-term memory and motor-skills losses. Pumpkin has been trained to help alleviate Mike’s symptoms and give him some independence. Whether Mike and Pumpkin are taking their morning walk together, working to im-
prove his balance or brushing her coat, Mike’s atitude has improved, his parents say. Mike’s ability to walk has been enhanced because of his strolls with Pumpkin, and he’s happier now that he has a new best friend. “It seems as if there are so many ways Pumpkin has touched Michael's life that it is
STORY & PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY PAWS ASSISTANCE DOGS
hard to list them all,” says Mike’s mother. “We took our first ‘road trip’ this past week, and it was amazing how good Pumpkin was and how she was able to engage Michael dur- ing the drive. He and Pumpkin shared the back row in our SUV, and I would look back in the mirror while driving and see him peting her, hugging her and talking to her. It was awesome!” For information about donating to PAWS or to find out more about applying for an assistance dog, please visit
www.pawsassistancedogs.org or call 239-775-1660.
JULY - OCTOBER 13
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