“Two Golden Hearts”
By Kinsley Tarr
In the summer of 1994 I received a photo of Sarah Patzer and Hawk, the WAGS dog she was training for me and from that moment on, my life was changed forever. I still have that picture and will be sharing it along with a lot of other memorable moments, at the upcoming gala WAGS ball on October 4, 2003 at the Concourse Hotel in Madison.
This will be a very special day for Hawk, now 12 years old, as he will be officially retired as my working companion. Though this will be difficult for both of us, I would like to share with you why it will be the happiest day of my life.
Hawk, a golden retriever, has been a wonderful friend, companion and service dog. He has brought so much happiness into my life. I was 16 years old when we became partners and he bridged a huge gap in my life as a high school student. I have had Cerebral Palsy since birth, causing physical and cognitive disabilities.
In almost every situation, Hawk opened up my life. At the mall people will stop and talk with me about him. In a restaurant people always smile to see a dog lying next to them. At the movies, Hawk carries my candy and then lies on the floor and just sleeps next to all the popcorn I drop.
I am now 25 years old and Hawk has helped me become more independent. I am able to close my studio-apartment door with his help, so no one has to be home when I leave. If I drop anything he is right there to pick it up, so I am more independent at work. When I shop for groceries he can give my wallet to the clerk as I go through the check out. In cold weather he helps me remove my jacket.
He has taught me and others who meet us, about what I can do. He helped me learn to be patient and has always made me smile. He has never looked at me with anything but two big brown eyes, and the will to please. He does not judge me or see me as a person with limitations. I am his human and he has been my faithful friend.
As Hawk settles into his retirement with some volunteer work at our local nursing care facilities, I will be starting an adventure with my new WAGS service dog, a golden retriever named, Shelby.
Because of the tireless efforts of both Shelby’s volunteer trainer, Mike Croft, and the WAGS staff, I am very fortunate to continue my quality of life with the placement of another service dog. Shelby and Hawk have become great pals. Hawk is a great role model and Shelby is an eager student. They make quite a pair and will be my handsome escorts to the ball in October.
I am just about the luckiest lady there is, to share my life with eight furry paws, four big brown eyes, and “Two Golden Hearts”.
