Paws To Heal

Lori and Nelea	Lori and Shelby
Grady and Nelea at the Fontana Library

Nelea was an early Christmas present to me. I got her Dec. 9, 1999 at Guide Dogs of America. I alternated between smiling like an idiot and worrying as Nelea would be my first Guide Dog Puppy and my first indoor dog. She was donated to GDA by Angle Eyes Kennel in Idaho. Nelea, which means "joy" in Hawaiian, was a joy to raise. She was considered as a breeder but wasn't chosen due to a heart murmur. Nelea went through 4 months of Guide Dog intensive training but was dropped because she worried and didn't like making decisions. At Melanie's urging and help, Nelea and I became DELTA certified June 30, 2004.

Nelea comes to work with me at my elementary school once a week to listen to my students read. She also listens to kids read at the Upland and Fontana libraries. Nelea will also start visits to Riverside Kaiser Hospital this spring. Nelea loves to listen to stories about cats and other dogs. When it is warm she likes to take a lap or two in the pool and then roll in the dirt. Nelea enjoys being a therapy dogs because she adores being petted.

Shelby was a summer puppy who greets each day and person enthusiastically. She was my 3rd guide dog puppy and is currently a breeder for Guide Dogs of America. She will have puppies this summer. Shelby became a certified therapy dog with Delta Society in June 2005.

Shelby comes to work with me once a week to listen to my students read. She also visits Riverside Kaiser Hospital twice a month. Shelby is wild about swimming. When it is warm we spend several hours out by the pool. I walk and read while Shelby swims and chases her toys. It is a rare day that she is done with swimming before I am. I usually have to drag her out of the pool area. Shelby enjoys being admired and petted. She thinks that is why she goes out. She also enjoys playing with her big sister Nelea and her little sister Mikaela, my fifth guide dog puppy.