About Luka & Service/Assistance Dogs

Luka now has his own page on this site! 

It is something I've been meaning to do for a while now.  I finally got it done.  You'll have to check out the tabs at the top of this post!

I have also included on that page information about Service/Assistance Dogs.  An easy place to send folks who have questions. 

Thinks are going well, I got some AMAZING test results, which I will share soon.  And I am waiting for more.  I am hopeful.

Jason's been busy working and making picture frames.  It has finally gotten nice enough for him to mow, and is dry enough, and he is home so that is what he is out doing now. 

Some how my neck flared up again a couple days ago, I am wearing my new glasses and I seem to be taking my sweet time adjusting to those as well.  Ice packs and lying flat on my back are my friends.  I am getting more movies watched and more photography training watched as well. 

We've started re arranging some things so I can do some picture taking in an easier fashion.  But that has come to a stand still for the moment.  Until I can start moving around again.  Hope that will be soon, as this is never fun for me.  I finally broke down and took my pain medication today.  I had been trying to get through with out it.  Which is stupid I know. 

It takes the edge off but it doesn't take the pain away.  At least I can think a little better now. 


That is about it.  Hope you are having a good day too.  Make the most of it!

Hugs
Pink Doberman

EgGs... & SeRviCe DoG NeWs...

This post shares something important at the end!

Things while difficult in some areas are better in others.  Luka and I attended an event last night.  Jason dropped us off and our very prego friend L dropped us off at home.  She was there also making beautiful things with me.

We made Eggs!  Yep!  Eggs.  We did not cook them they in fact are still RAW!  Loving that part!  We dyed them.  Pysknky Style!   We had our event at this great place!  Check it out!   It was fun.  I was completely worn out afterward, and today I am definitely medicated!  But I got to do something creative with friends, which was totally worth it.










They are a wax relief... you paint the wax on with this little device called a Kistky they have three sizes of them and make fancy electric ones.....

See how busy everyone is.. Thanks to Gina for taking some great pictures for me!

So this is the design I did.. what is black on my egg is soon to be white and what is white is soon to be black.. The little tan square is bees wax.. You dip your Kistky in the bees wax after holding in in the flame.  Scoop up the wax and it melts on in a line to your egg..  You can also see my practice lines on the plate.

Yep, I copied it.. Well, not quite.  I did my own version...  But it is similar..

You melt the wax off after you have dipped the egg in the dye.  I didn't get a shot of us doing that, but there were so many tempting colors to choose from.  I couldn't think.. So I just chose black.

My friend L's egg... isn't it cute?  Luka kept wanting an egg too, but he finally was resigned to just watch and wait for us to finish!  He was quite the good sport and received rave reviews on upon our exit! Gosh, as I type this I am watching PBS again of course..  I am now watching a show that is featuring EGGS.. How cool is that? 
Here is a link to a PDF version of Burt Wolfe's Show..  It features these eggs! 

My friend W's Egg..  I think this one is inspired!

G's egg!  She is so gifted!

My egg finished.  

This is the other egg I made.... I didn't want to stare at another picture and "copy"  but I couldn't think of what to make either.. so it is a scribble egg!  Not a scrambled on.. Ha Ha!!  Ok, I know my humor is terrible..

 The eggs are all still RAW.. we are supposed to just turn them occasionally and they will dry out!  How crazy is that!  I am so excited!  ( Oh, and you pray they don't crack, because then your whole house will stink REAL BAD!)

But they are fun!

If you'd like to make this style of eggs go to..   The Ukrainian Gift Shop  

These eggs are amazing!



 So this is what I really want you to take a minute and check out..  



One of my friends called me today!  He shared with me a video that he saw featured on CNN.  Since he knows I am interested in things to do with people that have Service Dogs, he shared this with me.

This is another Service Dog video  this was just featured on CNN.. about fighting for rights..  Thanks to Kevin Stone and his Service Dog Mambo as well as Luis Carlos Mantovan and his Service Dog Tuesday  for fighting for the rights of Veterans to have them covered by insurance!  

I can surely say I am better off for having Luka in my life.  I take less medications, I am more active than I previously was with out him.  I am also happier and I also look forward to more things in general.  Even if I am still not out and about like I was before my accident, after having him I am having a significantly better quality of life.  I of course think they should be covered by all insurance companies.. but I am not asking for a miracle.. These veterans DESERVE to have the best quality of life they can have.  They have fought for our freedom!  Treat them well! 

By the way, this friend is preparing to go to Afghanistan to support the effort there.  He gets orders to leave soon. 

Blessings and Thanks For All That You Do!

Pink Doberman

iNteRiSTiNg tHiNgS..

Insomnia... does it happen to you?  It really does sometimes.  Sometimes it happens quite often. 

It is frustrating!  So so so so frustrating...  My brain does not stop.  I really don't mind this, I have lived with this my entire life.  The thing that does bother me is when my brain is stuck on bad things.  Then I need it to stop!

Even if I would fall asleep with bad thoughts I will not sleep. 

The Dr. Oz Show is talking about this.  Hopefully I will learn some more tips. 

I also have learned that if I take my nighttime suppliment that I do sleep better.  So I really try to do that.  Jason sleeps better when he takes that as well.  That is a good thing too! 

On PBS this morning there is some discussion on
LB1014 (Haar) Create the Teacher Performance Pay Fund and provide for additional public teacher pay 
The discussion has been pretty interesting.  While we have no kids.  We always have felt that better teachers and better schools do benefit kids.  Interesting discussion on Nebraska's Legislative Floor this morning. 

Of course the LB 858 ended up stalling out in committee.  Which is frustrating.  But there is increasing support for this legislation.  People are becoming aware of the need to support this legislation!  I can't thank those who do enough!  Here are some previous posts thta I have made about the Proposed Nebraska Service Dog Legislation.  Please even if you live out of state contact the people on the committee to share your thoughts and experiences!   

Read More Here to link to my television interview, and see pictures from it as well.

Or

Here for my Speech to the State of Nebraska Legislative Committee including Nebraska Senator's Contact Information

Senator Kate Sullivan is bringing this legislation back new and improved for next year!  She welcomes your thoughts and ideas on how Nebraska's Service Dog Legislation can be the best in the land!  Kudo's to her and her wonderful staff for taking this on!

Yes, I am going to keep bringing these things up.  =)  They are important! 

Ok, so I have spoken with Jason today.  He should be on his way home from his trip tonight!  I am so glad about that.  I think it has been good for him to get away.  While I HATED not being able to go with him.  Getting out of here makes things more tollerable for me for sure.

He was able to go out to eat with fellow instructors.  Which was wonderful for him.  He enjoyed himself.  He shared that the food was not that special.  But that he had a good time.  There was even a fire station across the parking lot from the hotel.  He could not have been happier. 

In fact, on his way to his training center this morning..  He stopped by the station got to chat with the guys for a couple minutes.  It is super fun for him to do that!  He caught everyone at shift change. 

It is good to hear that his classes are going well.  A few bumps here and there, going well.  He is teaching for yet another institution.  Crazy stuff!  I sure hope that he got the name of that mattress he slept on at the hotel before he checked out this morning.  I am curious!

On another note.  One good thing about my Dr. visit yesterday.. I am going to start some new therapy!  I hope it will work.  It is something that I hope my neck and arms will be able to tolerate.  So far nothing else has worked.  I still need to keep working on the other stuff.  But at the point I am at right now, the more I do the worse I am feeling again.  I really want to get on a treadmill and walk!

We will see how it goes. 

Depressing part.. stop reading if you'd like..
The visit to the Dr. will have hopefully met most of my deductible.  While it is not paid for yet, the visit is done, and they said I could pay them in installments, not all up front.  That is good.  I asked before we even went in.  Thank goodness! 

I hate having to many bills at one time.  I hate not getting them all paid off.  It is so therapeutic to pay them off in full!  We will just have to keep chugging away at them.  Someday we will get them gone!  I live for those days!  I know bills are apart of life.  I would just like to transition to the type of life that can pay for things in CASH upfront! 

But sometimes that just is not in the cards! 

I realize this is something that everyone struggles with!  I am not alone, I am fully aware.  It is just another dream. 

I have not been talking about it much lately, but my hands and lower arms have been hurting again.  I type take a break, type take a break...  to get my posts done.  Sometimes this goes on all day long.  I do not know why they are flaring up.  They just are.  I do not know why so many things hurt with my body, they just do.  I am definitely able to live with some pain, unmedicated.  It just makes me tired and irritable.  Frequent breaks are needed as well.  But I am at least able to do some things around the house.  Or out of it depending on the day! 

But with the additional stronger pains, the little one's combined, are just more than this girl can take.  I hope the pharmacy has the medication in.  I still have to figure out how to get it.. But.. one thing at a time. 

I better end this post now, I fear that my thoughts are going to stop making sense here soon.

This girl is hurtin.
Blessings to you and I have hope that you are pain free!

Pink Doberman

a SiMple GiFt... FoR YoU...

I was sitting here reading my collection of blogs.  This post really hit the spot for me today!  I think you might like it too!  I hope you take a minute to look at this one.  It is mostly pictures and will just reach into your heart and lift you up. 

Writing my blog has really been a great outlet for my soul.  I found myself as I kept loosing more and more of my dreams.  At this point I am not focused on any dreams or goals except making it through each day with as much grace and with as much as I can accomplish.  I don't really see how that adds up to much but possibly over the long term it may.

If you read my earlier posts you will notice I had some pretty big dreams.  If you knew me I worked constantly at self improvement.  It was something I have always struggled with.  But if I wanted something bad enough, I worked on myself until I could go after it. 

Reading the I Am In Love With This World post by Ree.  Just really reminds me of how big this world is and how little even a small goal or dream can become.  For me this post came at the perfect time.  The sun has been starting to shine and I have been able to see some beautiful robins outside my window. 

So this post is going to be of some of the wonderful things that Jason and I have captured on film.  Keep in mind it won't compare to hers but for us each of these things has had meaning in our lives as well. 

 

This reminds me of where I grew up.

  

This reminds me of those who have served so that I can be free.

  

This reminds me of how simple a pleasure can be.

  

I see this place and know the power of friendship.

 

A place to look and dream.

  

Things will pop up when you least expect them, and be better than you could have imagined.

  

The sun will rise and set each day.

 

There will be those who will follow you.

 

There is always a place to come home to.

Each of these pictures have been taken in Nebraska.  On our travels or around our home.  

If you've never visited Nebraska you really should.  

Of course to find these places or places similar to them you will have to leave the cities.

Jason's photography has become an outlet for us.  

He is even doing a wedding, engagement, and family pictures along with all of the fun senior pictures and more.

But most importantly he is finding a creative release for his frustrations.  

He goes out in the mornings while I sleep.  

Or out in the afternoons while I rest.

He finds beautiful things that I can see when he returns. 

His photography has been a blessing.

He took all of the pictures in this post.

I wanted to show them to you so you would know the beauty of the simplest things as well.

I hope some how our little picture show has brought you some joy today.

Blessings,

Pink Doberman

A continued thank you to Nebraska State Senator Kate Sullivan and to Channel 10/11 Anchor/Reporter Alicia Myer for your work on behalf of those with Service Dogs and those who utilize them.

CoNnEcTiOnS... SiMiLaRiTiEs...

In a continuing effort to share different stories other than my own.  I am going to try to tell a story of someone else or connect you to an article or video with my posts.  As well as continue to relay my story I love connections!

You of course can choose to check them out or not.  While reading another blog that I like, one written by a Veterinarian she shared a story about dogs getting Post Traumatic Sress Disorder while in combat.  Of course domestic dogs are also traumatized by things such as lightening, thunder, brooms, men, women, or children.  I will be sharing more about this as she is going to be doing some research on this area.

While looking at a link she had posted I came across another that I want to share today with you.  This is a link on how a Service Dog, a Psychiatric Service dog is able to assist his owner, a veteran with disabling mental trauma.  I really do hope you will check it out.   The link is from the Wall Street Journal Digital Network.

I hope you will take a minute to check out these links.

With the weather getting nicer, my dream of getting my garden going has started to reemerge.  I am really hoping that Jason will till more parts of the yard.  I also want to get the soil tested.  Last year I was highly unsuccessful with certain areas of our yard that we planted. 

I am also having a huge desire to get a better watering system set up.  One that I don't have to move around.  Some days that just does not work, and my plants should not have to suffer for it. 

 

Luka and I at my Aunt's 80th Birthday Party

We had so much fun seeing everyone!  I just can't say enough good things about it!  Jason and I were in charge of "kidnapping her" not really, we just shared that we were taking her out to eat!  

We did, it was just a surprise dinner with all of her friends and family to celebrate her birthday!

She was so surprised!  It worked out perfect.

We were so happy to be a part of her special day!

 

I took this picture of Luka!  Isn't it cute??  

He's got my coat and scarf on!  

I love this scarf, it used to be my mom's!

I am learning to change the light setting on the camera!  I got some interesting colored pictures due to wrong settings.  In this case I think the picture isn't ruined by it.  But almost enhanced! 

What a good Husker Boy!

Speaking of the Huskers Go Woman's Basket Ball!  What an impressive year you are having!

I love to see it when people work together as a team to accomplish something!  

The gals whom I used to have on my team (not basket ball) were just awesome!  I really miss that! 

And just when I start to feel sorry for myself... 

I am reminded that I am ever so grateful...

A friend of ours has made it safely through brain surgery!  She had a huge tumor removed.  It was a success!  The hope is that she won't suffer any complications, and her life will go back to better than ever!  

This friend has a great sense of humor, her kids do too, they named the tumor Joey, and want to put it in a jar!

I don't know if that is going to happen or not.  But they are an Emergency Services Family, 

they volunteer and do work that is ambulance and fire truck related. 

Besides just being all around good people!

We feel so blessed to know our friends are going to be around for a little while longer if not years and years!

Praise God!

Blessings are abundant!  I hope they are in your life as well,

Pink Doberman

wHy?? cLeAniNg, DaNciNg, SeRViCe DoGs..

So if you are looking to see the two part news story: Click here to read that post!

So with lots of different thoughts running around my head these days..  I struggle with what to share.  I really want to emphasize that the amount of support I am receiving is just wonderful.  My true wish is that this support would also carry on to those others who also have invisible issues, as well as those who's issues are not at all invisible. 

Alicia Myers who is super sweet, and is the beautiful gal that did my interview for the news (she is an Anchor/Reporter for Channel 10/11 in Lincoln NE), also featured in my last post.  Shared with me about a PBS special coming out to further educate and create awareness about those who have service animals.  Needless to say I am thrilled.  Neil Patrick Harris will be narrating it!  Click here to find out more!   I will try to watch that of course.  I just love PBS anyway!

I think that most of the issues we have can be fixed with public education and awareness.  Although not the worst of them unfortunately.  I just read a note from another person who I am becoming familiar with about being kicked out of a favorite sandwich franchise recently.  The police even got involved and made a report the situation was so crummy.

The officer said she had grounds to go to court and win.  He also shared that he would be happy to testify on her behalf.  THANK YOU FOR THAT!  The employee of the store was horrible to her.  She has seizures, if her dog is not with her, she has no advanced warning of when she will have one.  Which makes it extremely dangerous for her to go or do anything.  Oh my.

And just so you know, many people look more normal and more capable than you may even think and they still utilize a Service Dog.  Someones health, in fact YOUR health isn't up for debate, you do what you can to keep yourself in as good as shape as possible!  

My heart breaks because of situations like this.  Seizures are not something that one would ever ask for.  Oddly enough more people that you would think will end up having at least one in their life.  I guess my only hope is that those who give people the hardest time about things outside of their control and refuse to listen or try to understand.... is that they would also be on the receiving end of something that would wake them up to the reality that so many people go through.

That being shared everyone has issues, even if they pretend they do not.  ( I almost think that those who pretend they are perfect have the most issues.)  =)!

Ahh the joy's of living in my head.

Luka's allergies while not perfectly under control are doing so much better.  His feet are healing so well.  He has to be watched of course as he is just itching to start cleaning his sore spots.  YIKES!  That can not happen!  He is an obsessive cleaner!

I have a wonderful aunt who is like that.  Cleaning not licking.. Ha Ha!  She is amazing!  She can get spots out of anything!  A skill I am working to learn as well.  Since I can't just go out and get something new to wear any time I would like!  Even with my $1 bargains at the thrift store, those dollars can certainly add up. So in my life lately my Aunt Rocks my world!  I usually get most of her secrets from her daughter.. who was taught all of her magic cleaning solutions for things.  I really think she should write a book!  She is a maniac, in a good way of course!  (She is also my God Mother =)! )

Oh, my mind how it wonders around!

I will share that it is so glorious to have the sun shining and the weather rise above freezing!  I was able to drive two days ago!  Woot!  I drove downtown to mail a ton of packages!  Picked up my medications, and went to the drive thru bank window to drop some stuff off.  =D  Happy girl!

It was the first time that I have driven since I think November!  All of the ice has kept me stranded inside!  Why?? Well after having broken a bone and been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, Jason and I made the decision to keep myself safer so I can continue to get better.  That is no guarantee of course, but I really try not to put myself in higher risk situations.  Sometimes I have to admit a great song will come on and I can't resist the urge to dance and wiggle around.  I try to really control myself.

For those that don't know, I used to dance.  I took Ballroom Dance lessons from Top Ballroom Dancers who became instructors.  I would drive 8 hours to attend lessons as in Nebraska that caliber of dancer wasn't to be found.  I also had trained to be a Ballroom Dance instructor.  I can't say how much it hurts inside to now be watching the sport be so popular and I am not able to go out and do it too.  I would probably even be able to find a partner now who would be able to do something other than the Country Swing!  (I am not dogging that dance at all.)  I just loved doing the Salsa!  I loved dancing West Coast Swing - not country style.  I loved the Waltz and the Smooth Foxtrot!  I know how to do most of the dances.  I regret never getting that good at the Bolero.  That is such a beautiful dance.

So, you can imagine how hard it is to be sitting and watching instead of dancing.  PLEASE also keep in mind, I was NOT the best dancer out there.  But I truly loved doing it!  It filled my soul!  I don't watch the dancing shows much I get kind of sad.  Don't need any more of that in my life!  So I am watching cooking now!

Funny story!  I even got my Amateur Radio License so that Jason would agree to take dance lessons.  We never got that far, to get him enrolled.  You could wonder why I just did not teach him myself.  Well I wanted a partner to dance with not a student, I also wanted to keep my marriage.  In my estimation nothing would spell divorce like bossing him around telling him to do this and that smile, turn, lift, bend, tilt..all of those picky little details.

I had envisioned hiring the most beautiful woman who taught to teach him.  I had imagined that he would do great at wanting to not disappoint her and then I would be able to reap the benefits of all of his hard work by having a wonderful dance partner.

I will tell how I got my license sometime as well, that story still amazes me to this day!  I know I shocked him and everyone who knew me as well by getting that!

We'll there is lots more I have to share, I've got lots more pictures to post as well, and will be doing that soon also.  I don't want to forget to tell you to check out Part 2 of the Service Dogs Rights story!  So click here to check that out!  

• Also, here is a link to the Federal Laws/Rules Regarding Service Dogs 

I usually have a copy of these with me at all times, you would not believe how some people act around us.

Don't forget to support Nebraska State Senator Kate Sullivan with revisions to Nebraska's Service Dog Laws!  ( you do not need to live in her district or the State of Nebraska to offer your thoughts)


I hope you are out there doing or having done all that you could do today!  There are so many things that are so easy to complain about.  I really really try to stay focused on what I am able to do and be grateful for those things.  It does not always work.  But I try.

Blessings to you and hope your day is magnificent,

Pink Doberman

ThE iNtErViEw... Alicia Myers from 10/11 News in Lincoln NE ... LB858

I fixed the bad links below. 
Thanks for letting me know they were bad!  Sorry they were. =)

~
 Click to see:
The Official 10/11 News Interview with Alicia Myers Click Here!

Click on Service Dog Rights Part 1

Check it out!  Anchor/Reporter Alicia Myers did an amazing job!

                        I can't wait to see Part 2 tomorrow night!

Our story even made the Headline Page!  How cool is that!  10/11 News Rocks!

See some pictures that Jason took from the interview!  He managed to avoid the video camera completely!

 

 

 

  

What do you think?  Put your comment's on Channel 10/11's site, and don't forget to add your opinion to their poll!  CLICK HERE!  I fixed this link also I think.. Give it a try!

I also had my mother's bracelet on and was fortunate to have Jason there with me.  I wanted to be wearing things that meant allot to me for the interview!  Makes me feel like they are all there with me.

Anyhoo...

I'd love to have you post your thoughts on the Channel 10/11 web page.  You are welcome to also post them here!  But please support this news station for taking such a positive approach to helping others!

Senator Kate Sullivan please give her kudo's as well!  

I have her information listed a few posts back!  

Cheer her on and support her as she gears up for round two of this legislation!  

Blessings,

Pink Doberman

SuRpRiSeS!!!, FiShiNG & HuNTiNG

When life shoots you lemons make some Pink Lemonade!  I sure try to do that.  Work within what I can do and do my best at it.  I am different, that is a given!  I have always known that.  I am a girl who grew up working on a farm like a boy.  My dad was an ag teacher and then farmer/rancher my mother was a Home Economist and then substitute teacher, librarian and then everything else until she found her calling as a career counselor for a local university.

So I grew up with both worlds being shoved at me.  I did the farm chores, the irrigating, the digging of musk thistle roots and dead heading into a bag, laying out of aluminum irrigation pipe and picking it up, as well as everything in between.  My mom enrolled me in 4-H.. I was a handful.  I did all of the "girl stuff" wrong... being a very frustrating child for my perfectionist mother.  She soon kicked me out of the house and gave me to my father to keep using for chores and things outside.  I even ended up enrolling in Ag in High School.  What a shock that was for everyone!

Well, all that time with boys, meant I was also learning to use some boy's toys.  Heavy metal bands, cars, as well as shooting.  My dad has always loved to fish so I did that too.  I much preferred water skiing!  But just loved being out on the lake even if swimming wasn't in the plan for the day.

If we did a good job chopping thistles my dad would take us to the lake.  If it had rained we'd go to the lake... as I became an adult the opportunities didn't present themselves and the boat my dad had had to small of a motor to pull adults out of the water very well.  Every opportunity I go to go out to the lake I would take of course!  I still loved it.

The hunting opportunities went by the wayside as well.  I'd say I am more of a shooter of non alive objects.  But since Luka my service dog is allergic to everything, I now feed him deer.  A friend has gotten me one every year.  That has been great!  Luka eats so much that that isn't going to last us all year for sure.  So I was thrilled when after going to the latest "Outdoor Type Show" in the area, that my husband came home with a brochure for a group of hunters and fishermen that take out people with disabilities.  They even have adaptive devices for us to use!  I thought I couldn't even fish because holding on to the pole would prove to be painful!  Let alone reeling it in.  Shooting a gun, well lets just say I can't even lift my guns up.  ( Yes, I am a gun owner.)

I never bought my guns I earned them.  I sold magazines in High School and if you were the top seller of magazines that week you got to pick out prizes.  They were boys prizes since we were raising money for FFA.  Guns and knives and stuff.  So that's what I earned!  I also got a bunch of other junky stuff as well.  But I worked hard to be the best, even if the prize was a gun.  ( I thought I'd give them to my dad.)

Nope, he was happy I had earned them and he got me shells for them, and then some of the guys in FFA took me out shooting, and my outdoor adventures took another turn.  I ended up shooting a few animals, not for sport, but living on the farm rabid animals or dangerous animals sometimes appear.  I could shoot and so I did what needed to be done.

I love target shooting, and shooting traps.  I really also like eating deer since it is hormone free and very lean and it costs less.  It is also great for Luka.  Jason used to hunt as well.  He's been talking about getting out again.  I have shared that he should go, that I just didn't know how to make it work.  Taking me along is no vacation.  I am allot of work for him.  I need a mattress, I need help with this and that, I need a level place to sit, I can't be out there picking up branches for a fire or chopping anything.  I could cook, if things were at standing height and I had a flat surface.  I really need a camper..   He's wanted to go camping for a long time now, we used to do that!  We have friends with matching tents and chairs, we used to go on outdoor adventures!  Go canoeing, or hiking checking out all that was around to see.  I guess I just need to give it a try and see what I can do.. 

Read about how I am finding the impossible might once again be possible..

Check out this organization!     SANDS  I want you to check it out so I won't even share what the acronym means...

I guess there are people who may help us with all sorts of things.  I am a handful without my physical issues.. =D.

Oddly enough one of the people in the group is a boy ( a man now) who I grew up sitting in front of at church when I was little!  I think that is pretty cool! 

Yes I really am also a girly girl too!  Fashion, Makeup, Pink.. I guess my personality is sort of a dichotomy. 

If you know one side of me you may not know about the other... I am different I always have been.  I may look just like you, but I am unique.  You may look just like me but you are unique.  I value you and what you are able to do.  Please value me and what I am able to do.  Look at our similarities not our differences. 

When I open a door, treat me with respect, I promise to do the same.  That is all I ask! 

By the way Channel 10/11 Lincoln NE will be featuring LB 858 on March 2 and 3 with a series of different interviews.  I hope you will watch, record, or check out their website on the subject!  So THAT IS TODAY AND TOMORROW!  ...  (this is one of my surprises) 

Hope you will watch! 
You might just find out who I am!

Blessings,
Pink Doberman

NeW dOoRs!

I got a gardening book in the mail today.  I have read page one and two.  That's about as fast as I go these days.  I hope to check out three and four in a bit.  I used to wonder how all of those TV infomercials and things that come in the mail worked.  I mean who actually bought that stuff. 

I now know, it is people like me, who find it difficult to get out and see what the rest of the world can see easily and regularly as they choose.  Ha!  An answer to another life long question.  =)!

I love catalogs, I rarely order, but I do grab my permanent marker and circle everything I love!  Makes me feel like I have gone shopping.  I do miss grabbing the fabric of a shirt through my fingers to see how it feels, or picking the hanger up an holding it in front of me to actually get a different perspective.  What I miss most is trying the varying styles, colors and outfits on before leaving the store.  Spending hours just looking or trying things on.  I loved that! 

Now, my favorite place to shop is at thrift stores.  I just grab everything in my size toss it into a cart and check out.  I then try it all on at my leisure at home and can return what doesn't work.  Hey, it works!  I still get to test it all out!  Now that I know what I like and what looks better than others, it has become even easier. 

My creativity is hard at work as well to discover what goes good together.  Styles from the past still work today!  You just have to know how to put things together.  I found out that after spending years in bed and not going out at all except to Dr's offices.  That my style was dated.  My makeup style was dated, and so was my style for choosing clothing.  I am not sure that it is still much better.  I feel that I missed out on a whole bunch of different styles.  And besides having to get a whole new wardrobe from thrift stores, because I had gone down in size 12 whole sizes proved to be an expensive venture, even at thrift store prices!  Good news, I am figuring it all out! 

I still have to rid my closet of things that make me look as if I were 12 years old.  Ha!  But, I really love wearing clothes that I would have never dreamed of wearing before.  So if you see me in something age inappropriate, just smile and know I will be tired of it soon!  But give a girl a chance to express herself before she sends those things back to the thrift store. 

I've got several friends who are also loosing!  Some are doing it the way I did!  Others are doing it differently!  I think it is great to find what works for you!  One friends Blood Pressure has gotten into normal ranges with the loss of 7 pounds!  Another has lost 10-15 and hopes to find hers lowered as well soon.  One more is fitting into clothes from her past!  She has been just loving it!  Yet another keeps shrinking little by little and is using it as an opportunity to spice up her wardrobe with new things!  Fun Fun Fun! 

I am so excited for everyone!  I am also excited for me!  As you know if you've been following my journey that I didn't start with my program to loose weight I started it for the vitamins to get my bones stronger, and follow the Dr's recommendations.  Side benefit of the program I chose was loosing weight!  Yippee!!  Size 16 to a size 2!  Yeeeks!! 

As an additional perk along with some basic Physical Therapy, some help from Luka my Service Dog who tells me prior to my getting one type of my migraines caused from weather and movement, and being on a regular vitamin and cleansing regimen the severity of my migraines has decreased substantially!  I still get them about half as frequently or so.. weather has allot to do with that I think, and I am learning what I can and can't do more with therapy so I don't cause more.  At any rate the severity has decreased abundantly!  Woot Woot Woot!  I had inklings of this last year!  I dared not say anything for fear that it was just seasonal. 

I've been holding out on sharing because I wanted it to be a reality not just a happy thought!  I have made almost no migraine trips to the er!  Woot!!  I have had a few.  But amazingly and wonderfully my body is making progress!  < Mental Happy Dance Inserted Here =) >  Rarely do I actually get up and wiggle! 

I told myself, "Self, give it the winter, decide in the spring about how excited you should actually be."  Well, it isn't quite spring.  But in light of all that is happening and the 40 Degree weather... I am imagining it to be just around the corner. 

Thus the gardening book as well! 

Now if only the regular daily problems that I face and have would be improved.  I did have a great day yesterday.  Interesting and everything. 

I had my regular massage therapy appointment.  Now really understand that going to the therapist that I see is not one of those pleasurable experiences.  He isn't one of the phooo foo massage therapists, that heats up rocks and oils and has relaxing scents floating in the air.  It isn't lush or fancy it is work.  Work on his part the guy who does the Neuromuscular Massage as well as work on mine.   This is a painful type of massage it is good pain, but you aren't necessarily filled with energy or renewed afterward.  What I notice is a great sense of deep pain relief.  I am able to get in and out of the jeep easier, I can hold myself up straighter and I can sit for longer. 

I have to hold back the tears many day.  Hold back the cries for the therapy to stop.  I just focus on breathing to get through it each week.  It hurts, but the short amount of time he works on me will give me relief for much longer.  The pain is good pain, the relief comes at a price.  It is one of the least invasive and healthiest ways I can get some relief. 

Pills don't take away the pain they just hide it.  Getting this done each week, brings back the blood flow to my arms, makes it possible to move and hold my head up stops or reduces the sciatic pain.  For me it is a necessary evil.  =) I say this with a bit of humor, as my therapist is so not evil. 

This type of massage isn't the one that you want to get if you want to feel like you've just gone to heaven and you feel all floaty and dreamy.  Before my auto accident I used to go for those!  Ahhh!  I remember the days!   < Dreaming>  Dream over..

Find out more about this type of therapy.  Click Here

My particular massage therapist is the best I have ever been to.  I will tell you more soon I promise. 

Well, I did read a couple more pages in my gardening book.  Which I think will help me choose what to plant.  I had hoped to get to the library, but the library here in town is tiny and has absolutely no good place for me to be.  Which is frustrating because I grew up going to the library!  My mom worked at one and so did my mother in law.  My sister having told me about her library (the one I grew up using) shared that she could access her's online.  I don't think mine has that option.  I have looked online.  Grrr. 

So I am now reduced to doing what so many others must do.  Take advantage of those crazy things that come in the mail.  Use the internet to buy things and order from catalogs instead of stores.  Not horrible for sure.  Much preferred to my anxiety of going new places.  With out a doubt it is a much better option as well, as Jason hates to shop. 

I love to lollygag and look at everything that is new.  Go down isles, look touch and peruse.  He is a man on a mission.  Really these days that is the way it works for me to.  I most of the time don't have the energy to cruise the entire store. 

With my Physical Therapy, I have really focused on walking enough with the crummy weather this winter, consistent snow and ice this has presented a problem for me.  We did get a tread mill for $50 from Craigslist.  I have a feeling the $50 would have been better spent on snow melt.  The darn thing hardly works.  Jason would rather I not hop on.  If he does well the darn thing just won't move.  And the noise!  Yia Yie Eie..  it really is sadly comical =).

So, that hasn't been the best investment.  This spring and summer when people once again don't want theirs maybe we can find something better.  I am finally feeling able to be walking again anyway.  The weather thankfully may even be cooperating!  I am sure thankful for that!

Luka is resting here with me today.  We are both tired from yesterday.  My old guy really needs som good weather too!is still doing well at not aggravating his allergy sores.  Thank goodness, soon hopefully with vigilance he will be thoroughly healed! 

Yesterday, after the therapy appointment, we were interviewed!  Yep!  Interviewed!  About LB858!  I will be sharing more about this soon too!  Allot more.  That is all that I will be saying for now.

There is more but it will have to wait.  It is taking me forever to write today.

Blessings and new doors to new places!
Pink Doberman

pAiN pAsT pAiN pReSeNt... PrAyErS

Before I get started into my post, I want you to be sure to check out the right side of my blog.  I have moved some things around, and added quite allot as well.  I haven't done the advertising thing.  I probably should that might help us out but I really have a hard time with all of the commercialism.  So at this point at least I am opting to keep all of that extra type of stuff off of here.  It is harder to say no to this as I just watched a friend post about her new appliance that her advertising money paid for.  So enjoy reading.  Hugs!



It has been a pretty rough week for this girl and her dog.  Things are moving forward for that I am grateful.  With each step forward seems to cause me a great deal of pain, emotional and physical.  One day at a time I guess is all that you can do.

Last night the stress of it all really came to a boiling point.  I am really going to have to watch what I do.  I have started a couple of processes that are not yet finished.  Things I need to do, for myself, but mostly for others whom I care a great deal about. 

I hope my body can physically make it through and that my psyche can hold it together also.  One day at a time.  I keep repeating that God doesn't give you more than you can handle.  Sometimes I wish God would give it to someone else to handle.  The emotional and physical pain last night was almost unbearable.  If Jason hadn't been here, I really don't know what I would have done. 

I was back in the recliner, and he slept on the couch beside me.  Horrible night for sure.  He even ran out in the middle of the night to get medication for me.  Bless his heart!

I am doing everything I can.  I really have to keep my mind focused on the future and the present.  The night terrors are back.  I have been struggling with this again since a very painful episode earlier.  I just hope I can keep it from becoming a regular occurrence again. 

Sleep is something I am dreading for sure. 

Luka has been struggling a bit as well.  His allergies really flared up in December.  He is healing now, while it is hard for him to leave his boo boo's alone, he is really trying hard!  I am so proud of him.  He is able to go out with me some now again without problems.  While he is not yet perfect, he is so so much better. 

We've been keeping each other company this week while we are both trying to avoid aggravating our problems. 

Things are moving along on LB858  I am quite passionate about it.  However a couple of Senators on the list of the previous post are not on board with the proposed legislation.  Grrr...  Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinions.  I just really wish they could come hang out with me for a while.  They might get a different perspective of how important this legislation is to people like me. 

I have to say, being outspoken on this issue freaks me out, I am sure that is adding to the stress.  But if I don't who will?  This is what has been asked of me, I will do my best with sharing my perspective.  Besides Federal Law is totally on our side.   Learn more here!   It would just be so much better for everyone if the State of Nebraska would catch up! 

Well there is definitely more to come on this issue!  I am not going to share just yet but Thank God for people who really care!  Who are taking the time to do something about it and say something about it!  I have really been quite impressed by the integrity of Senator Kate Sullivan as well.  Her assistant Mikki M. is amazing as well!  I love their passion, and determination without persistent people like this there would be no hope for people like me. 

I've got lots more I could say, I just can't bring myself to go there right now.  I will be praying for a good night of happy sleep tomorrow is a big day!  

I want to give a shout out to my friends the B's the F's for a much needed break from reality.  Scott and Stephanie for persistence and hope!  I am terrified about tomorrow, as well as excited.  I really need to have a good night of sleep to make it through.  Pray that it is possible for me.  Luka's going to need his rest too. 

Big blessings to my friends R&K who are going through quite allot right now.  And a whole bunch of others who I am not mentioning but I have in my thoughts and prayers. 

I really did enjoy watching the woman's figure skating tonight!  What strong and beautiful women this world has in it!  They were each  to behold tonight!

Please keep us all in your prayers as well,

Pink Doberman

NeBrAsKa StAtE LeGiSlAtUrE, My SpEeCh!

I was honored to be asked by Nebraska State Senator Kate Sullivan to speak on behalf of her proposed bill. 

Luka and I would be honored if you took the time to learn about this, we would be ecstatic if you chose to lend your support by sharing this with others across the nation- not just Nebraska..  as this ruling will effect all who travel through out state. 

Please also drop these Senators an email, a note or give them a call!  Your support is the best way we can make this happen! 

Please also contact other Nebraska Senators!  As their support and influence will be crucial in the future!

Click here to see the proposed adjustments to the bill.
For those of you who have and know about Service Dogs, there is also a proposed amendment to this adjustment regarding the signage and attire on the dog to make it more in line with federal law.  (an oversight that already has plans for a correction, so don't go all wonky on that subject, but please share your thoughts about being in line with federal laws so the amendment will have support)  In other words, there is a plan in place to have no requirements for labels or gear..  As each of us who use a Service Dog and each Dog is different. 



Contact these Committee Members NOW!!  to insure this bill makes it out of Committee and on to the Floor with their complete support!


To make this easier, I have listed the committee members names and information below! 


Sen. Tim Gay, Chairperson
District 14
Room #1402
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2730
Email: tgay@leg.ne.gov

Sen. Kathy Campbell
District 25
Room #1019
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2731
Email: kcampbell@leg.ne.gov


Sen. Mike Gloor
District 35
Room #1523
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2617
Email: mgloor@leg.ne.gov



Sen. Gwen Howard
District 09
Room #1124
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2723
Email: ghoward@leg.ne.gov



Sen. Dave Pankonin
District 02
Room #2004
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2613
Email: dpankonin@leg.ne.gov


Sen. Arnie Stuthman (was not able to be present when we spoke)
District 22
Room #1101
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2715
Email: astuthman@leg.ne.gov


Sen. Norman Wallman
District 30
Room #1406
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2620
Email: nwallman@leg.ne.gov



CLICK HERE TO CONTACT MORE NEBRASKA STATE SENATORS!!


Please Thank, SENATOR KATE SULLIVAN
District 41
Room #1019
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2631
Email: ksullivan@leg.ne.gov


My Spoken Piece:

Thank you Senator’s for the time to share my thoughts, and most importantly Senator Sullivan for introducing the proposed adjustments to the law.

My name is Tonja, and this is my Service Dog Luka. He was gifted to me unexpectedly, and has become a very stabilizing factor in my life.

For over 20 years I have lived within the boundaries of the disabling unspoken mental trauma of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I had learned to manage my life avoiding things that would set my attacks off.

In 2004, the car I was driving was involved in an accident. At that instant my physical limitations changed forever.

It is hard for people to comprehend that I have a need for a Service Dog or for a handicapped parking spot. I am not the picture of a person most people visualize when they imagine someone with a disability.

I get poor balance, getting up and down is a problem, I have trouble negotiating stairs, occasionally I feel like my legs want to drop out from beneath me, I get very severe migraines and I am easily exhausted as well as many other things. I live most of my life in bed, or in therapy and before having Luka the only times I could leave the house would be when my husband Jason could take me out.

My Service Dog Luka helps me:

Get up from the floor

Gives me stability on the stairs

Tells me when I need to take my migraine medication

Braces me when I pick something up off of the floor or get something from a low shelf

He carries my groceries in his pack when we walk home from the store

Helps me up and down curbs

He pulls me along and steadies me while walking

He helps me up out of short chairs

While I have never been a shy person I was a very private person. I now write a blog, my blog is pinkdoberman.blogspot.com . I share my blog with people who want to understand what has happened to me as well as why I utilize a Service Dog.

I no longer enjoy shopping. It has nothing to do with my disabilities; it has everything to do with how I am treated. I don’t mind polite questions; I don’t even mind doing public education.

For me having a Service Dog is the only way I am able to safely go out on my own, while at the same time, he is a huge inconvenience. It is to some degree like living your life with a six year old at your side.

I am constantly bombarded by people, some well meaning, others not so much.

“Oh, don’t touch him,

Maim, please watch your baby don’t let him climb on my service dog...

Yes, lady, your daughter is correct; he is a service dog you are not supposed to pet him he is working,

Hey… don’t feed my dog!!

For me the worst part of having a disability is when you are confronted by ignorant and mean people. At a store in Omaha I had an encounter I will never forget, this was one of my first times out since the accident without my husband and I was so excited.

A lady working at the store came up interrupted my shopping and told me Luka and I had to leave, she rudely insisted that we leave the store, and shared that if I left him outside I would be welcome to shop again in the store, I told her he was a service dog, he is protected under the American’s with Disabilities Act. She didn’t even bother to look at his vest. She then started to well, well, and was still very rude. Finally she said we could stay and shop. But the damage to me was done.

I had heard of others with Service Dogs having problems, I felt so helpless and alone when it happened to me.

Every time I walk in to a new store, or even one that I frequent, I am filled with fear. I hate going places now! I now carry the law with me in my purse.

I stopped to eat at a favorite restaurant. I came in to the restaurant, and was completely ignored, they noticed I had a dog, but wouldn’t look at me wouldn’t talk to me wouldn’t acknowledge my presence.

While I was volunteering one afternoon, a couple with a little dog, kept walking by Luka and I, their dog was barking viciously at Luka.. The couple thought it was funny. They and their dog had tormented us the year before as well. People are just so thoughtless.

On the other hand many places have been just great. It still doesn’t stop the anxiety. I would like to be able to call the local police department for support, if I felt we were being threatened. I know I can file a complaint with the ADA, but that does nothing for our immediate needs and well being.

While I do not utilize Luka for my PTSD, the next Service Dog that I get will have that training as well. My panic attacks have become more apparent again with the situations I have encountered while I am out and about with Luka. What I once had under a good degree of control, is now controlling many aspects of my life again.

Basic independence is something that most people take for granted. People utilizing Service Dogs in order to lead a more productive and independent life should not be able to be taken advantage of, treated rudely, or dismissed.

As a member of the Nebraska community, I work hard to be as productive and independent as possible. I did not create the hand I was dealt, but I am doing the best I can to live the most productive life possible. I appreciate the proposal to make Nebraska safer, easier to negotiate and less of a burden for myself and others like me.
THE END...

I had three to five minutes to speak... I took the entire five minutes... My first draft was about three times as long.. Yes, I know I am windy!  Ha!  One thing I can do for sure is come up with lots to say.

I enjoyed speaking, and sharing my perspective, it did wear me out for sure, and thankfully I had removed all of the names of the Senators on the Agriculture Committee...  (that is the group that my friend had told me I'd be speaking to.., of course it would have been funny)..   I was looking forward to speaking to that group of senators, as I am familiar with one of them, he happens to be my classmate and friends father.. =)! 

Those of you who know me can figure that one out, contact him as well to garner his support.

Well, I had wanted to get this posted last night after I spoke, but when I got home I was just able to get Luka fed, and get into bed.  My body hurt all over.  I couldn't think so much to get this all done properly.. 

I'd like to add more, but I've got therapy now, so I can't! 

LB858 Change provisions relating to service animals and mobility-impaired or otherwise disabled persons

Please take time and don't forget about this issue!  I am not the only one who is having horrible problems!  Others spoke yesterday as well to the issues they face and the horrible ignorant and rude people who think they have the right to abuse us because we are different or they are having a bad day. 

Every day we wake up it is a bad day, I like to make the most of my bad days and be as happy as possible!  Please help me do this with more grace and dignity!

By the way Luka did a great job and was a wonderful example for all to see!  What a good boy!


Pink Doberman