Success Stories
Jennifer and Cleo

The successful partnership of Cleo and Jennifer was an especially bittersweet one for the founder of NLMAD. Since being rescued from the Wilkes County Animal Shelter at the annual Adopt-a-thon in May 1999, Cleo spent much of her training time endearing herself to Karen.

Cleo is quick with the charm and intelligence and the antics of a clown. Many a person who meets Cleo is smitten with her. Just one look into those big soulful eyes is enough to draw anyone in.

As Cleo's training progressed, it became very obvious that someone very special would need to come along for her. Lo and behold, with Jaci Sweet's help, along came Jennifer. Jaci, partnered with Jetta, is Ms. Wheelchair Washington. She met Jen, who is Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin, at the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant.

Jen liked what she saw in Jaci's dog, Jetta, and soon she was on the fast track to getting a dog of her own, a dog named Cleo. The wheels were set in motion that Cleo helped  fine-tune Jennifer's needs.

A few of the specific tasks needed were help in getting shoes and socks off, light switches turned on and off, many retrieves, and a real specialty of throwing away garbage in the trash can. Cleo is very comical to watch throwing away garbage as she likes to see the lid open and make the items slide in with her nose. She is a tough act to follow in this task.

A funny experience that will leave a lasting impression was teaching Cleo to ride the lift on a bus. Cleo became frightened as the lift moved, and she proceeded to crawl into Jen's lap for security. She planted her bony butt across Jen's joystick (on her wheelchair) making backing up into position a challenge and a real sight to see.

The consensus is that Cleo will become more and more dependable as this team continues to bond. Jen has repeatedly met the challenge of Cleo's inconsistencies. A deserved applause goes to Jen for that. One thing we know for sure is that Jen is going to keep Cleo very busy working, traveling, shopping and dining. Jen has a very busy lifestyle, and Cleo has the stamina to match.