The New York Times has a nice story about the Canine Campanions for Independence graduation ceremony. Also, some stories about people who use these wonderful animals. Here's a quote:
J. P. LadyHawk Freeman, 53, a former lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, was medically retired in 1994 after learning she had multiple sclerosis. As her condition worsened, she applied for a dog and was teamed with Scarlett in February.The two lead an active life in Colorado Springs, dividing time among Ms. Freeman's duties as a substitute teacher, a Red Cross volunteer and a Congressional lobbyist and board member for the Paralyzed Veterans of America: Mountain States.
Though Scarlett performs essential tasks like turning on lights, picking up objects and handing a credit card to a cashier, Ms. Freeman says, she will also lay across her legs when they begin to spasm, shortening the intensity and duration of the attack. "She has not been trained to do that, she does it instinctively."
"When you have a challenge," Ms. Freeman said, "people look literally right across the top of you. Suddenly, with Scarlett, those who used to look across the across the top of me now see a live human being and a beautiful dog."