"Hi, my name is Polar, 
and I am a 6 month old Golden Retriever who is very special! 
I am handicapped and can't use my back legs to walk, 
although my foster mom (who is now my FOREVER MOM!!) 
and the rescue that accepted me into the program, GRRI-NJ, 
have purchased K-9 carts for me to get around, which I really really like. 
The carts enable me to go along with my mom, Pam everywhere! 

I do have a routine, though-- it goes something like this:

I get up at 5:00 am and help my brothers and sister feed the horses, 
then I eat my breakfast which is almost my most favorite part of the day! 
Then it is off to work again with my foster mom who works at a vet clinic 
where I get to greet all the patients and clients. 
Then at lunch time we walk around the block and visit with all my friends.

I also have another job: on the first Wednesday of the month I go to visit 
some friends at a elder care home in my town. 
They all enjoy me so much; they smile and try to feed me 
(which I don't mind but my mom says that I shouldn't take food from strangers-- 
but I don't think they aren't strangers 'cause I see them once a month.) 
Then on one Friday a month I get to go to school with my foster Grama-- she is a teacher, and a visit from me is a reward she gives her class: a day with Polar! 
I truly have a blast on those days -- 
I get to go outside and run around on the playground, 
I also get to visit all the classes. 
I do truly love children!

I just can't figure out what the big deal is, but everyone seems to love me! 
My mom, Pam, is trying to get me into more schools to help children see that just because you are different doesn't mean you can't do certain things. 
She keeps telling me that there is nothing I can't do, but I know 
that there are some things I need a little help with, like going up and down steps, 
getting in the truck, and getting on the bed, but I help myself too.

Then each day when my "work" is done, I come home, eat dinner, 
and then it is time to play with my other brother. 
I get to sleep in the kitchen all by myself; 
my mom turned it into a big playpen for me. 
I am learning words like "quit," "stop biting," and "come," -- 
I do them all pretty well, especially if treats are my reward. 
My mom is trying to get me enrolled in puppy school, 
and I think that will be way cool.

In closing, I am so very grateful to have found my FOEVER HOME 
with my foster mom and dad and canine brothers and sisters -- 
a home where someone can help me fulfill my reason for being here,
which means letting me help children and older people. 
I don't feel like I'm different, but I know that I must be 
because I have wheels that help me get around since my back legs don't work. 

The only things I don't like are fireworks-- too loud! 

My mom says she will help me to attain my goals and be all that I can be. 
As for mememe, I'm just a happy-go-lucky Golden fella! 

-Love, Polar."

Polar on his bed

And if you have questions about adopting and living with a handicapped dog, 
e-mail Polar's mom, Pam Patton.

You can also e-mail Chandler and Dee Rudd
who share their lives with Lucy, another handicapped Golden 
and who would be happy to share their experience.

Lucy Rudd


Polar on the beach at Goldstock 2002, with some friends!

Read lots more about Polar in the Land of Pure Gold-- 
including recent photos!