Mary Grey Wilcox and her service dog Shiitake, speak Monday about Canine Partners For Life and the services they provide for disabled citizens. Wilcox, who has autonomic neuropathy, has had Shiitake for over a year and is raising money for the Labrador retriever to have a

by DEEANNA HANEY
Intern Lifestyles Reporter

Mary Grey Wilcox, freshman English major, broke every limb in her body and had 16 concussions by the time she was a senior in high school.

She was diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy, a disease that damages the autonomic nervous system, a branch of the central nervous system that helps people adapt to changes in their environment, according to the American Heart Association.

As a result, Wilcox was unable to properly manage her blood pressure, and because it would plummet without warning, she passed out up to 12 times a day.

“Life was awful,” Wilcox said. “All through high school, I had to be walked everywhere and watched all the time.”

Little did she know, a dog would soon change her life.

After Wilcox decided to attend the UNC-Asheville her freshman year, her condition had somewhat improved.
However, a relapse brought her back to her hometown of Boone.

Wilcox’s mother then found an article about service dogs in People Magazine and decided to give it a try.

In March 2008, Wilcox applied for the ownership of a medical alert dog via Canine Partners For Life (CPL), a Pennsylvania-based organization that trains dogs and matches them with people who have mobility impairments and seizure disorders.

In June 2008, Wilcox received Shiitake, her service dog.

Shiitake, a black Labrador retriever, was specifically trained as an alert dog for Wilcox’s disorder.

Wilcox then had to attend an intensive three-week training program to learn commands and various management skills.
After it was complete, Wilcox gained the independence she previously lacked.

Shiitake can sense low blood pressure episodes 30 minutes before they occur.

He nudges, nips or whines to alert Wilcox when she needs to take action.

If Wilcox wakes up with a low blood pressure reading, Shiitake will lie on her chest, not letting her up until her blood pressure is regulated.

“One of my favorite things is that I can just go to the bathroom by myself,” Wilcox said.

Shiitake can also retrieve Wilcox’s migraine medicine and cell phone in case of emergency.

Because bending down restricts blood vessels in Wilcox’s legs, Shiitake removes laundry from Wilcox’s drying machine, piece by piece.

“When you bend over, your body recognizes, ‘Oh, [you’re] bending over, I need to do this to regulate [your] blood pressure,’” Wilcox said. “My body doesn’t really do that, so if I drop something, it’s much better if [Shiitake] picks it up.”

Shalan R. Albright, sophomore psychology major and Wilcox’s roommate, said Shiitake is just like any other dog.

“He’s just a lot more obedient,” she said. “My dog at home has gone to training two times and [Shiitake] is still more behaved.”

Wilcox takes Shiitake everywhere she goes, including class.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is Appalachian State University’s policy that, “no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.”

Service animals are allowed on campus and do not have to have special permission as long as they have proper documentation, Maranda R. Maxey, director of the Office of Disability Services said.

Shiitake wears a harness when he is working, anytime he is in public.

He knows he is on duty when he is wearing his harness and knows he can play when he is not, Albright said.

This week, Wilcox is attempting to raise money to earn Shiitake a “day off” work, allowing Shiitake a day out of his harness and able to spend time as a typical pet. 

As of press time, Wilcox has raised $850 and needs a total of $2,000 for Shiitake’s day off.

The money will provide him with a party with other dogs, a specialty dog massage and homemade dog treats, among other things.

Although Wilcox’s life is still not ordinary, she is grateful for the life that Shiitake has allowed her to have.

“It was really scary not knowing when it was going to happen, getting hurt all the time and having people freak out,” Wilcox said.

To raise money for Shiitake’s day off and to educate about service dogs, Wilcox is hosting a Lunch and Learn Workshop at the Linville Falls Room in Plemmons Student Union Friday at 11:45 a.m.

Food will be provided and donations will be accepted.

Photo by Rachel Noel  |  The Appalachian

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