2009 Hero Awards

Emmett's big day!









Emmett was a recipient of the 2009 Diamond Collar Hero Award, from the Oregon Humane Society. The event was beautiful. Emmett was met with a warm reception and many, many people who wanted to meet him in person. The OHS played a lovely slideshow about Emmett and the room was filled with over three hundred and the overwhelming sound of "ohhhhh's" and "awwww's". Emmett, wearing his bow-tie, rode up to the stage in his big yellow wagon, on a velvet-covered wheelchair ramp as he received a standing-ovation for his work in the community and ability to survive against all odds.
The whole day was very special to us. While I have always known that his jovial spirit, freckles and super-hero ability to defy the odds were magical, that day, we were able to share his wonders with many, many more.

Emmett getting a bath at Pawsitively Clean

Emmett during a big snow storm

Emmett the pomeranian

More bath time....

Nostalgia (videos of Emmett as a puppy)

When I decided to bring Emmett from Pennsylvania to Oregon, I was sent videos of Emmett from his home family about how he was able to get around on three legs. I could not wait to be a part of his life. We have had some great time in the past 3 years.

I get all weepy when I see these videos. He was such a cute little guy!

Boy has he grown!

Life with Emmett

2009 Hero of the Year Award Winner

I feel great esteem to write this posting. Now, while I am terrible at updating everyone about Emmett's life, we received some special news today about our big guy.

Emmett was named the 2009 Diamond Collar Hero of the Year for his service to the community and his ability to survive against all odds by the Oregon Humane Society. The prestigious award ceremony will take place in February at the Governor's Hotel. We are very proud of him and grateful to Jake Faris from Spot Magazine for nominating him.

To think that three years ago, we thought Emmett would not reach his first birthday, these years have proved all prior doubts wrong.

He has not only taught me more about strength of character and determination, but to countless others who have read his stories or seen him in action throughout the world. He is jovial, rambunctious and full of perseverance.

He is our Emmett -- Emmett the Great!

Emmett

I just wanted to put a posting on Emmett's blog, to let everyone know that while I am terrible at keeping his blog updated, he is doing fabulous--all 170lbs of him!

My life has become a bit hectic, with graduate school, but will keep anyone who is interested in our work, updated with any new information about what we are up to and how Emmett is doing.

Cheers! :)

Libby and Emmett

LETTERS TO EMMETT

THE PURPOSE

Writing letters to a pooch sounds a bit silly, since Emmett cannot actually read them,

BUT

for a child to write to Emmett, they are giving back as much as they are receiving from his lessons.

WHY, I believe it to be beneficial in promoting inclusion in an academic setting:

Everyone has a disability

Everyone has unique talents

Everyone *can* break the mold

Emmett shows children that anything is possible!

Whether a child struggles in math, has a hard time making friends or feels the disappointment of being picked last for kickball--Emmett understands what it feels like to struggle

Most children exclaim how proud they are of Emmett and all of his achievements

BUT

Children also see how important it is that they help befriend those in their own schools and communities who have particular struggles

Everyone deserves to be surrounded by a supportive group of friends--(no matter the species)

PROJECT EMMETT

The "BIRTH" of Project Emmett

From the moment Emmett was born, children have always loved him. He has spent countless hours being pet, hugged and kissed. He loves being in the company of child while child find his freckles irresistible.

The first time Emmett was clipped into his wheelchair on a playground, a four year old girl came running up to us, noticed his missing leg and asked "can people be born without arms too?"

It was my light bulb moment--maybe Emmett's love for children and their natural curiosity about his missing limb could be used as an educational tool!

While having a brother with a disability has prompted me to advocate for the disabled whenever possible, Project Emmett is about Emmett working with children to see beyond his missing leg and to all the reasons why Emmett, is Emmett the Great and that they too can accomplish great feats.

The Wheelchair--background and misconceptions

In January of 2007, I began the journey of trying to find a dog wheelchair manufacturer that made a product that would assist a dog with a front leg amputation.

I experienced a few weeks overcome with feelings of defeat. I saw pictures of wheelchairs for front amputees, talked with manufacturers and knew that because of his size, this would be quite a difficult task. After being told by one manufacturer that it was "cumbersome" for Emmett to have a wheelchair, I was heartbroken.

It was not until, I contacted Doggonwheels in Montana, did I feel hope. Not only were they a wealth of knowledge, but they said "yes" to constructing a specialized quad wheelchair for Emmett.

As I then found myself sidelined with a knee injury that required immediate surgery, his rehab veterinarian and a village of family and friends measured, remeasured and remeasured Emmett again for his wheelchair and cared for him while I was laid up. The effort to bring care to both Emmett and I was overwhelming.

Needless to say, the wheelchair catches a lot of attention when we go out. While most people inquire about the mechanics of Emmett's wheels others are blown away by Emmett's ability to thrive and ask to pet him.

What I would want others to know about Emmett's use of the wheelchair:

• Emmett "uses" a wheelchair, he is not "in" a wheelchair
  
• Emmett only uses the wheelchair when in public
  
• He runs, jumps, plays tug-a-war, fetch and does somersaults off the couch, causes mischief all without the use of his wheelchair
  

Emmett's Story

I decided in 2006 to get a puppy to train to be an animal assisted therapy animal. At the time, I was working with children with Down syndrome and found the even-temperament of St Bernard's highly appealing for working with children with disabilities.

I was about to say yes to a breeder in Canada when I decided to Google, "special needs St Bernard puppy." I came across a blurry picture of a two week old puppy. He was too young at the time to gage what his temperament would be, all that was known was that his right front leg would need to be amputated. The umbilical cord had wrapped around his leg, causing his limb to be pink, raw and smaller than the rest.

The family, who lived in rural Pennsylvania cared for him tenderly, hoping to find him a home instead of seeking the alternative of euthanasia.

Being a "giant breed" is not a small feat for any pooch, but to do it on three legs is miraculous. Dogs carry 70% of their weight up front, and being a deep-chested breed, his prognosis looked grim.

I knew exactly how physically and emotionally draining it would be to bring Emmett all the way here to Oregon, but I knew that I was meant to be his owner. What I did not know, is how much he would inspire not only myself, but many, many others. Emmett is loved by all who know him.

As a big sister to a brother with a disability, I have always advocated for the acceptance and inclusion of all, regardless of ability. Bringing Emmett into my life has magnified my desire to lend a "paw" in the fight for occupational justice and the opportunity for all to engage in the life that they dream.

There is no greater teacher in this world than a floppy lipped, flecked faced pooch, who shares his story with others through his jovial spirit and vitality.

He is my Emmett-- "Emmett the Great".