Graduate Story -Adriana and Nexus

In 2003 I dove into a sandbar in the ocean, broke my neck and sustained a spinal cord injury. I became paralyzed from the chest down, wheelchair bound and was left with limited movement in my arms and hands. My life from what I knew it was no longer there. I became dependent on everyone for everything. Every time I needed to come and go throughout the house and the doors were closed or I dropped something on the ground I would have to ask someone for help.

At this point I found that all my friends had moved on as well. I was left all alone and became very depressed. I lost all my self esteem and felt like an eyesore wherever I went. People would stare at me and it felt terrible. It wasn't until my older brother came across Canine Companions for Independence on the Internet that we knew it was meant to be. I have been a dog lover my whole life so I hoped that a four legged friend would do the trick and would bring the joy back into my life.

I was invited to start team training in late October of 2006 and I ended up meeting Nexus on my 21st birthday and we have been side by side ever since then. I could not have asked for a better gift in the world. He instantly became a physical extension of me. It became so easy again to pick something up off the floor if I dropped it or to open a door or switch the light on and off. I no longer have to ask and wait for someone to come; all I have to do is give Nexus a simple little command. He has now become my new arms and hands and he doesn’t think twice about following through because to him it’s just what he loves to do. He just loves to please!

Nexus and I go EVERYWHERE together... doctor and dentist appointments to restaurants…movies, shopping in the mall, K-Mart and Shop Rite…music concerts, Broadway shows and even professional football games. We have been there, done that and much much more. I no longer feel alone anymore and my confidence is through the roof when we are together. Since having Nexus by my side I have once again become the more outgoing and interactive person I was before.

People still stare but it’s not the same way they used to and now I welcome it. Everyone always stops us and comments what a beautiful dog Nexus is and asks what it is that he does for me. I am so proud to show him off and educate at the same time what an exceptional organization CCI is and the miracles they provide for children and adults with disabilities.

I had a great time during the team training, learning all that it is that these wonderful dogs are capable of doing and meeting some of the nicest people I have ever met. Laura Ann Dubecky trained Nexus and I want to give her a special thanks for helping us throughout the training process and making my experience there an unforgettable one.

Not only does Nexus assist me with the physical aspects of life but he has also given me back my self esteem, more emotional support than I could ever ask and a great deal of much needed independence. He is exceptionally loyal to me and has improved my life drastically. He is my best friend and I love him from the bottom of my heart.

I cannot express enough how much pride I take in having Nexus by my side and how much Canine Companions for Independence has helped change my life for the better.

Ariana

and

Nexus