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".