SSD Burke

Elise Rodgers and SSD Burke

It's a freezing cold evening in State College as I head back from my project meeting in the Library to my dorm. When I arrive, I pull out my keys and the swipe card which will let me into the warmth of the building; in the cold my numb fingers slip and I drop the keys to the ground. Before I can bend down to pick them up, someone has already put them back in my hand and we are through the door and into the warmth! I express my thanks with a bit of kibble from my pocket - this person will appreciate the treat just as much as he will my verbal praise.

It's so wonderful to be able to live on my own without being afraid and helpless. I think only someone who has experienced it can know how great it is to have a partner to share your life with, to wake up each day and someone is there to greet you. Of course, in my case, that morning greeting is usually a tail flick in the face that says "Awake! Breakfast!!! Hungry!!!!!" but still.
I used to be completely dependent on my parents and other people because of my seizures. I couldn't be trusted to go anywhere or do anything on my own because something might happen and I might need help. Then Burke came into my life to be my constant companion and help-mate. I got my life back.
Everywhere we go on campus at Penn State, Burke is appreciated. I often hear people who pass us on the street talking to each other about Burke and I. "Look at how he looks at her! They must love each other very much. He looks like a great dog!" or "Look at that pretty puppy, he is so calm! And how great that he just trots along beside her like that!" Although we often hear "She must be training him." Or "look at the poor blind kid." We hardly even notice.
Whenever I'm sick or things aren't going well, I get by with a little help from my friend Burke. Some things were just meant to be. I love Burke, and I see everyday how he loves me. I couldn't get on without him, and I definitely wouldn't have it any other way.