The Bear

You're going to see this image on the blog, in the QR link on your calendar and as a sticker.  I want to explain what it is, what it means, and why it is a part of the calendar project.

The image is a small part of a larger painting that I did a little while back.  It's a picture of me with my black 75 pound goldendoodle named Winnie.  The original painting held the graphic of Winnie & I, Jesus, and a lot of grief over feeling isolated in the PCS.

Winnie is a certified Therapy Dog.  Which means she travels with my mom to schools, nursing homes, etc to bring people joy.  After my accident on August 31, 2021 I had some really unfortunate experiences within the walls of a doctor's office.  This led to a severe anxiety about going to the doctor.  When I expressed this to one of my doctors who I was seeing before I fell, she suggested that Winnie go with me to appointments.  We talked about what that would look like and it ended with her writing me a prescription for Winnie to be my Emotional Support Animal.  ESA and therapy dogs are different from service dogs.  This means Winnie cannot go everywhere, but she can go with me to a handful of appointments each week.  The title of emotional support does not do her justice.  She is so much more than that - she is gift from God in this season of loneliness.  One of the hardest parts of PCS is the isolation.  My inability to cope with noise, light, and movement has made it very challenging to connect with others.  I am so grateful that God gave me Winnie when He did.  He knew long before I did, how much of a help she really would be.

In 2023 Winnie changed from ESA to a service animal.  I needed her help with more than anxiety at that point in my life and she generously obliged.  We trained her to assist when I needed it.  She now functions as my psychiatric service animal, and I am so grateful.

Winnie the Pooh is her official title.  My family & I lovingly nicknamed her "the bear" early on.  Partially because of her namesake, partially because of her size, & partially because she is devoted to her people just like a momma bear is devoted to her cubs.