Certainly every week, sometimes every day, we come across examples of good practice and bad practice with regard to access and inclusion as a wheelchair user with an assistance dog.
Sometimes we see a side of life others haven't even thought about; so here it is, the good, the bad and the frankly funny situations we find ourselves in or witnessing.
Sometimes, it's just good to share the good, the bad and the ugly sides of life as a person with a disability!
I am a wheelchair user and have been partnered with Caesar for just over 8 years. Caesar is a Golden Retriever, he's a Registered Assistance Dog from Dogs for the Disabled in the U.K.
Both accomplished travellers, Wendy & Caesar have dined in the Members Dining Room in the House of Commons,London & The Senators Dining Room, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. & given a presentation at an event held at The European Parliament.
Apart from being a Registered Assistance Dog in the U.K. Caesar has taken and passed his Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze, Silver & Gold awards in the U.K. and his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Award and Therapy Dogs International Test in the U.S.A. Quite possibly the first British dog to have done so.
After winning a national contest where Wendy was nominated as an "Everyday Hero" both Wendy & Caesar carried the Olympic Torch across London Bridge during its journey around the world prior to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
All photos on this page are copyright of the blog owner except the Header photo of Caesar in front of my wheelchair, which was kindly taken by Jeanne at Goldstock 2006, and the photo with Sir Steve & Kimberley which is copyright of Samsung.