[nagdu] Returning member: Karyn and Thane

[Karyn & Thane]

It has been some time since we were on this list so I thought I would 
introduce ourselves-- partially for new members who do not know us and 
partially because my life is becoming very different with much more 
opportunity. So here goes--

My name is Karyn. I am a deafblind, incomplete quad in a power wheelchair. I 
am working with my second partner (both owner trained). Thane is a seven 
year old red and white smooth coat Border Collie from champion herding and 
agility lines (oh my!). My dogs have both been multiple disability trained 
(guide, hearing, medical alert, service)

I have not been on any guide dog or service dog list for that matter since 
yahoogroups interface change (in fact it has pretty much shut down the list 
I was running for clicker trainers) I am a die-hard clicker and owner 
trainer.

A lot has changed in my life this year and as a result in Thane's life so at 
the pleasant age of seven, we are experiencing new things, training in new 
environments, relinquishing tasks no longer required, and finding new 
pleasures in life.

For the last 15 plus years I have lived with profound multiple chemical 
sensitivities, but a program I was connected with has given me hope and the 
freedom to live a more normal life filled with activity outside the home 
again.  Some of our recent life's pleasures I have not been able to 
experience with such joy since childhood.

We have a lot to experience, train, socialize to, but life has so much more 
meaning today for me/ us.

Though I have successor training on my mind due to Thane's age, lifestyle 
changes which may be more difficult for him to adjust to, and the knowledge 
that it can take a good 2-3 yrs to train all I need in a dog, I'm also 
really enjoying the act of healing and living with Thane.

Karyn and Thane