Wessley

Adam and Wessley

Adam and Wessley were teamed by the AIM HI (Animals In the Military Helping Individuals) group out of Fort knox, KY Memorial Day Weekend 2001. Adam was 10. When The trainers brought their dogs into the training room and lined them up along the back wall, Adam was fixated on the beautiful Golden Retriever in the line, but little did he know that there was an equally handsome feathery black retriever in the line watching him intently. The training was tough, but so worth the hard work. After just a day or so, Adam realized Joel, the golden, was beautiful, but not as interested in working with his requests as the handsome black retriever Wessley. Wessley was a shiney black Flat Coated Retriever who couldn't help Adam fast enough. Adam decided he was impressed with the fun and smart Wessley, and soon knew that he was the partner for him. Wessley was traind for mobility, he helped pick things up, pull the wheelchair up inclines, turn on and off lights, throw things away, opening up cabinets, counter-balance and bringing Adam things that were out of reach. He was also trained for hearing and alerting Adam to specifics that Adam could not hear with our without hearing aids. But more than than Wessley was a loving and constant companion-always there, always watching, always ready for Adam's needs. Wessley was an ambassador of smiles. He was the first service dog intergrated into our city's school system, and we've been told he was the first for the state of VA. With such a happy dog next to you, ready for the day everyday, how could Adam not excel?! They attended 5th grade to 12th grade together. They went on trips together to Lake Taho for skiing, Puerto Rico for fun in the sun on Loquillo Beach- a beach made especially for people in chairs-Disney Land, Colorado, NYC, Philly, State Assembly meetings, even the capitol building where they met several congressmen, and that's just to name a few places. But those were all trips that Adam took without his parents! All because his service dog Wessley would give him the support that he required to be safe, and independent, away from his parents. Adam's goal for many years was to stand and walk with Wessley as his crutch to get their diplomas. For 2 years, Adam worked hard at Physical Therapy to make that goal come true.Sadly, halfway through Adam's senior year of high school, Wessley started to show signs of illness. Within just a few short weeks of showing signs of illness, we had to say goodbye to him because he had lymphoma of the liver. The very last moments with Wessley, Adam and he laid on the floor saying goodbye. Adam reassured Wessley, and Wessley never closed both eyes. He lived to work for Adam. Adam didn't even have to use words to ask Wessley for things, Wessley just knew what was needed and required and what Adam was thinking. They were two peas in a pod. Adam did achieve the goal of walking to get his high school diploma, with one crutch and an empty spot next to his left side. The entire graduating class stood and cheered his achievement, and yet all were very sad for his plan didn't happen exactly as planned-as Wessley wasn't there to participate. It was wonderful to have Wessley in Adam's life and it was devastating to have to say goodbye to him. He gave Adam confidence and security. He broke through so many barriers because of that beautiful smiley happy flat coated retriever. Since losing Wessley just a year ago, Adam vowed he could not deal with that kind of bond and loss-ever again. And decided that he would just continue without the intergration of a service dog into his lifestyle. We had to remind Adam that the only way to not experience that loss and sadness was to never have had Wessley in his life, to never have experienced that wonderful love and companionship and independence that he brought to Adam..... Now Adam is living in a college dorm, and has just recently decided he is ready to have the support of a new service dog to help him with his safety and independence. We are thrilled that he has decided that it is time. Having a service dog will make his life better, easier, safer. It will make our lives as parents less stressful, easier, better. Adam is slated to be partnered with a new service dog with a program out of the midwest, and we hope to be out there this summer training and intergrating a new and wonderful service dog into our family. Annother TEAM AMICK is on it's way for more success!