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Patty Zallar
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Walk, Walk, Then Walk Some More
- Published in: Update - Issue 2 - 2009
- Listen to Article
Photo caption:
Patty and Leader Dog “Carlee” ready to walk in the Lions International Convention parade in Chicago in 2007.
“I don’t consider myself disabled, I do have certain limitations. There are things I can do and things I can’t do. Just like everyone else,” states Patty Zallar. “I must say that my Leader Dog Carlee motivated me to enhance my orientation and mobility skills to get around. That’s why I make sure we get a good amount of exercise. The better care I take of her, the longer I will have her.”
Patty received Carlee from Leader Dog in 2006 and shortly after joined the Achilles Track Club in Madison, Wisconsin. Achilles is a group of people with various challenges, some have had strokes, may have multiple sclerosis or have a prosthetic. What they have in common is the desire to exercise to the best of their ability. With the group, Patty, her son, Andy, and Carlee walked in the “Hope and Possibility Walk/Run” in New York in 2008. The trio have also completed walks for H.O.P.E.S. (Helping Others Prevent and Educate about Suicide) and in a “Dog Jog” to raise funds for a local animal shelter.
As a member of her local Lions Club, Patty has spoken to many groups about Leader Dog and Lionism, something she was afraid to do in the past. “With Carlee at my side I am more confident, bolder and more assertive. Or maybe it’s just my age,” she laughs. No matter which, Patty is sure she will never go back to using a cane. “Carlee and I have been on speed boats, trains, busses, and trolleys together. She is part of my family.”
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