About me

PROFILE:
I have been writing poetry and stories since I was a child, and a love of reading was instilled in me from an early age. I am passionate about writing, and hope you enjoy the books I have written. Whilst most of you sleep soundly in your beds, like many Parkinson’s patients, insomnia dictates, so during those hours that sleep eludes me, the house is tranquil and quiet, an atmosphere perfect to immerse myself in writing. My life has been a series of strange events, which have without doubt contributed to my creativity. To publish anything is to bear one’s soul to the world. It is to stand naked and let everyone see who you really are. I have poured my heart and soul out on paper and I hope to share this journey, immersing you in a story, capturing your attention and firing the imagination. Through my writing and public speaking I hope to bring greater awareness to the general public about living with chronic disease.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Losing a friend


Losing a friend is a heart wrenching experience, even if that friend has four legs and a wagging tail. A dog has a way of capturing your heart and becoming part of the family.

We brought home a darling 8 week old Dogue de Bordeaux puppy 91/2 years ago, which was before I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I had dogs growing up, and therefore trained Buffy successfully myself with all the basic usual commands. Once I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and the symptoms started to appear fast and furious, it was clear that Buffy’s instincts began to kick in. Although Buffy was never formerly trained, she took on the role of assistance dog and proved herself by saving me on more than one occasion. Certain breeds are preferred as assistance dogs, such as the Labrador. Not all dogs possess the necessary traits to become assistance dogs, and only a professional trainer can really ascertain if a puppy is suitable or not for this purpose. 

I have fallen several times, and Buffy would stand quite still by my shoulders, taking my full weight helping me to get up. I was choking badly on two separate occasions, but Buffy instantly knew this was not a normal sound and fetched help immediately. Buffy would always know when I was having a bad Parkinson’s day and when I was suffering chronic bone pain from Gaucher disease. If I felt down or simply unwell, she would follow me around and not leave my side, watching my every move.

I miss Buffy's huge presence terribly, but am grateful to have had such a wonderful companion dog who made me feel safe, and took a little worry off my husband’s shoulders when he was out working. I have written about Buffy in this week’s article for The Huffington Post for she was a friend till the end.

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