Service dog helps paralyzed teacher in the classroom

[manouli]

Service dog helps paralyzed teacher in the classroom

By Bill Lindelof
MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
09/07/2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Darin Peets' service dog, Robis, can pick up his keys for him. He can turn out the lights and he can pull Peets' wheelchair across the playground at Del Dayo Elementary School.

But what can he do for the kindergartners in Peets' class at the Carmichael, Calif., school?

"Can he bring me the glue?" asked 6-year-old Adam Gerdel.

Following a few commands from Peets, Robis delivered a plastic bottle of white glue to the table where Adam sits.

"It's a little slimy," said Peets. "But Robis did it."

Peets, 47, is a new kindergarten teacher at Del Dayo Elementary school. He's also a quadriplegic.

He uses lessons learned during his three decades of limited physical mobility to teach his young charges to try hard. And then ask for help.

"Kindergartners want you to cut and paste for them," said Peets. "I can't do it for them. But I will be there for them, encouraging them to try. They are learning quickly to try first."

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