Most kids, including 9-year-old Sophie, have big dreams for their future – whether it’s a ballet dancer, a doctor or becoming a parent, those dreams are motivators for youth. Sophie hopes to be a veterinarian and has recently taken serious steps to learn more about dogs – especially her Canine Companions service dog named Webster.
While Sophie can practice caring for Webster – brushing his teeth, feeding him and making sure he’s groomed to perfection – Webster isn’t teaching Sophie just to be a vet. His job is to teach her how to prepare for a future with independence.
Until Webster joined the family, one of Sophie’s parents, Amy or Julien, had to sleep in their daughter’s room every night. Sophie’s anxiety made it impossible to sleep. Now, with Webster curled by her side, Sophie is sleeping independently for the first time in her life.
“Meeting Webster was amazing,” Sophie says. “He helps me pick up my toys and I love taking him on walks.”
“It’s our hope that Webster can help Sophie prepare for adulthood with complete independence with the help of a service dog,” Julien says. “Sophie will see and understand the difference a service dog can make as a wheelchair user, motivating her to be ready for her service dogs in adulthood.”
Webster makes living with spina bifida less challenging and gives Sophie – an already social girl – the extra nudge she still needs to feel more confident. Together, these two best friends are keeping their eyes on the future while enjoying every minute of learning and growing as a pair.
“He’s so smart and cuddly,” Sophie’s mom, Amy, says. “Webster is always so happy to see Sophie when she gets home from school. It’s just so amazing to see how much Sophie has grown with Webster by her side.”
With Webster’s motivation, Sophie’s daily walks increase in length and duration, helping her get around farther in her wheelchair or walker. Webster can pick up anything Sophie drops – toys, pencils and even her backpack. And as she gets older and her needs change, he’ll be there to retrieve a cell phone or medication bottle.
