Can you believe it? I’m a dog and I get to interview a human, WOOF! Today I’m interviewing a pawsome woman by the name of Glenda Watson Hyatt, author of the new book I’ll Do It Myself. I like that bepaws I want to do things myself too, WOOF!

Let me tell you a little bit about Glenda. Her story really resonates (a new word my mom taught me hehe) with me bepaws she has overcome barriers and obstacles just like me! I overcame my fear of humans wrought about by severe abuse and starvation. Glenda has overcome all of the “cannots” society would throw at her. You see, she was born with cerebral palsy which is a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth. That meant not being able to walk, very impaired speech, and her hands not functioning well.

Sadly, when we are faced with some serious challenges, society’s answer for us dogs is often to euthanize us. For humans as in Glenda’s case, her parents were told institutionalize her because she’d never be anything.

Glenda did what we all can do (and you know we dogs are here to model this for you humans ALL the time) - she proved them all wrong, WOOF! Yep, she even won a gold medal in horseback riding!! Rather than tell you her whole doggone story, I’m inviting you all to pick up a copy of her book today right here http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/ill-do-it-myself-the-book/ and read her interview with me, Shadrach the Neo Mastiff, below WOOF!

Shadrach: I’m so tail waggin’ excited bepaws this is my first ever interview with a human! I’m going to ask you the most important question first, do you like dogs? If, so is there or has there ever been a special dog in your life?

Glenda: Oh yes, I love dogs! [Glenda reaches down to scratch Shadrach behind his ear.] Growing up, we always had dogs and we raised Shelties (miniature Lassies) for a while. Susie was my very own dog. I had her since she was born. At first, she would only ride on my lap in my wheelchair when we went camping, but then I taught her to walk on a leash and to sit and stay. She was a good dog. She even slept on my bed.

Where I live now with my husband, unfortunately, doesn’t allow dogs. I do have a…[Glenda covers Shadrach's ears and mouths the word]…cat Faith. She is my puppy-cat; she follows me around the house, asks for treats [Shadrach's ears perk up] and brings me her toys to play. Really, I’m a softie for most animals!

Shadrach: Do you find that we dogs are often more sensitive and understanding of humans who live with physical challenges than are other humans?

Glenda: Most definitely. Dogs don’t mind the jerky movements, the unclear speech or the wheelchair; they see beyond the disability and see the love people with disabilities have to offer. There is special connection between dogs and humans. [Glenda reaches down with her unsteady handy to pat Shadrach, who is now laying by her feet.] Humans could learn much about patience and acceptance from dogs.

Shadrach: I know of a dog by the name of Ennis in the UK who helps his owner Allen do everyday things bepaws Allen had a serious brain injury so Ennis does a lot of things for him. Ennis can even get money out of the bank for Allen! Have you ever considered a dog like this or would you rather just do it yourself? We dogs LOVE to be needed and to serve but we also rrreally understand the need for independence -we Mastiffs especially understand that, WOOF!

Glenda: Yes, I have thought about having an assistance dog, one that I could take everywhere with me. That would be so fun. But, I’m not sure how a dog could really help me since I can do so much myself. I am sure I could find something for a dog to do, though, like grabbing cans off the store shelf when my hands don’t want to cooperate. Or, how are you at folding laundry?

Shadrach: I run away so I don’t have to help although my Dad is always telling me to help, WOOF! One more question Glenda, do you like dogs? Oh wait, I already asked that, hehe. Do you believe that dogs can help those with physical challenges be even more independent AND enjoy the fur love companionship of a dog? Maybe you can even teach us to cook? I may eat it all myself though hehe.

Glenda: Certainly, Shadrach. Assistance dogs perform such tasks as pulling wheelchairs, opening doors, picking up dropped items and so much more as well as constant and unconditional companionship, all of which contribute to a greater sense of security and independence.

Shadrach, thank you for having me on your blog today. [Glenda gives Shadrach a doggie treat.] Being interviewed by an adorable, loveable dog was an enjoyable first for me.
I would like to invite your human friends to join me for the rest of my virtual book tour at www.doitmyselfblog.com. Monday I am off to New Zealand!

Thank you so much for being my first human interview Glenda, you RRROCK! Please visit and link to Glenda’s blog at www.DoItMyselfBlog.com and grab a copy of her book I’ll Do It Myself today at http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/ill-do-it-myself-the-book/

Listen to our Animal Talk Naturally Special Edition show: Service Dog Kicked Out of Walmart so you can help!

Have a pawsitively tail waggin’, Do it Yourself day, WOOF!

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