When my husband begin having difficulty with balance and walking, I bought a puppy knowing that we needed a positive distraction.  Little did we know that this love-filled, sweet and athletic dog would become so in-tune to my husband’s abilities that she would train him to listen to his body and not hurt himself.

Bobby walks about 3/4 mile on most days, with the aid of a walking stick and Tulip by his side.  These pictures show what she does.

When she sees (or even senses) him falter, she insists that he stop and return to the car. She makes eye contact and blocks his way.  If he doesn’t heed her, she jumps on him and pushes him in the right direction.  She continues to pester him until she gets him turned in the right direction.  Once he starts to walk in the right direction, she relaxes completely and walks him back.

Some days, she doesn’t let him go farther then a few yards.  Months ago, before he started to listen to her, he would have to stop and sit because his legs no longer worked.  She would lie next to him until he was ready.  When he falls, she lies on top of him, licks him and wimpers until he gets up.  If he falls at home, she alerts me.

She not only gets him up and walking every day, but her love and devotion for him is powerful medicine.