Melanie and her Church Outings

by Heidi
(Jacksonville, FL)

Melanie, my yellow Lab who is my balance and mobility dog, and I went to our homecoming service May 1st. The little church we go to in Baldwin was packed. Good music, good preaching too. When it was time to walk up and take communion, I decided to walk instead of having them bring it to me. We were down almost to the front of the church. A lady had her hand draping over the pew. Well Melanie just sniffed it and the lady looked up and gave me a huge smile :). I was glad.

After that we stood in a buffet line in fellowship hall, and she didn't touch the food at all. When a little boy dropped an olive, I told Melanie "Leave it!" She did - walked right past it - then she laid down right under the round table without being told to.

After we ate I walked her around some, then fed and gave her some water in our truck, walked her some more, then back for the closing song. A man sang the Lord's Prayer. Such a beautiful song.
Also had some people ask me did she eat anything or drink anything? I replied, yes, like my sister Viki told them no human food when asked if they could give her a small bite of a cookie, a piece of ham, etc. just "No, thank you." But had to LOL at touching the lady's hand.

Got to educate so many people that day on Service Dogs and what they do; so many are just used to guide dogs and I told them differently. But a good many of the congregation coming back for a visit to their home church told me they didn't even know there was a dog in the church as she is so well behaved. I just said thank you for saying that about my Service Dog.

Coming soon: her first voting day and Senior Expo

Heidi & Miss Melanie


Thank you, Heidi - we're looking forward to the next story! Jo