ARC Heroism Award

DELLA & HEATHER

The ARC Board recently awarded "Della", Della Rae Wheeler, the American Rottweiler Club Heroism Award for her service to humankind in a manner befitting the Rottweiler as a certified service animal. The specific act was alerting Heather Jones to her seizure on May 27, 2009, as well as her continued alerts.

And now for the rest of the story . . .

UNBREAKABLE BONDS

By Heather Jones

My friends and I have great bonds, but the bond between Della and I is like magic! It’s like we where put here on earth to be with each other. So let me tell you the story of how this extraordinary bond started.

Della came from a breeder in Central Texas named Susie L. Robertson. Della is currently owned by Michael and Robin Wheeler of Temple, Texas, although I am applying to be a co-owner.

When I met Della for the first time is when I realized that I loved Rottweilers. Everything about her is just so powerful and beautiful. The connection between us was immediate. After getting to know Della a little we started entering into AKC shows in the Junior Handler ring. Our first show that we worked together in was in October 2008 in Belton, Texas. I was so nervous. Della and I walked into the building and I truly believe that she was as scared as I. We had a boost of support from friends as we went into the ring. Before we knew it we were done, walking out with our very first first place ribbon. In January 2009, we got our second first place ribbon in Glen Rose, Texas. When we are in the ring together it feels like we are one in the same.

Della is the most wonderful, well-balanced, well rounded dog that I have ever seen or worked with. Her personality is very down to earth, very calm, assertive, friendly, and most importantly loving. One of the things that I like about Della the most is her loyalty and the fact that she puts the people who she loves first before ever showing signs of thinking about herself.

DELLA IS THE “PERFECT DOG”

Della was trained at “Sit Means Sit” in Belton, Texas by Mike Wheeler. She also has a national certification as a service dog. She is well trained and she always listens to me no matter what. Della, because of her wonderful training, can help me to do things such as help me up when my knees feel weak, pick up something when I drop it, and opens doors. She is also trained in search and detect on scent as well. The most wonderful, extraordinary thing that Della does is something that she first learned to do on her own. Della can detect when I am going to have a seizure before I even know that I am going to have one. She also alerts others when I am about to have a seizure as well as while I am having one.

We did not know that Della would do this until after I had my first seizure with Della present on May 20, 2009. I have had seizures since I was 1 day old and doctors have not been able to figure out exactly why I have been having them. The last time I had a seizure prior this one was in April 27, 2005. So when I started working with Della I had no idea that she could do this or that my seizures would ever start again. Della alerts prior to and during my seizures.

On May 20, 2009 I was admitted to King’s Daughter’s Hospital in Temple, Texas to their Critical Care Unit after having more than 4 seizures in school that day. The very next morning Mike and Robin, “Della’s trainers, learned what had happened and immediately got permission to have Della with me in the hospital due to her being a certified service dog. This was when we all learned what “Della’s other purpose on this earth was for.

When Della came up I was out of it and very tired. Within an hour my Mom stated that my color was back. I honestly started feeling better. My Mom and Robin left Della to visit with me alone and while we were there in the hospital Della was there to tell the staff when I was about to have another seizure by whining, standing up and placing her paw on the middle of my chest. Della stayed with me the rest of the time that I was in the hospital. Della then came home with me and stayed until the evening of May 26, 2009 when she went home to Mike because she was supposed to go to an elementary school for career day the next morning.

Mike called my Mom a little after midnight and told her that he had never seen Della act like she was acting before, that she was pacing the floors, whining, trying to get out and refused to listen. He did not know what to do other than call my Mom and check on me. About 10 minutes after that phone call to my Mom I had a grand mal seizure. Had Della not acted like that there would have been no one there when I had my seizure to make sure that I was safe and that I would be okay. My seizures can be life-threatening and dangerous if there is no one there when I have one. Della saved my life! For now Della is with us and she still alerts my parents when something is wrong with me. She has started alerting to the different types of seizures as I have two. The doctors call them complex-partial seizures, which are not so bad. The other type are life threatening. They are called Grand Mal and those are the more dangerous one. My Mom says that Della seems to tell her which one is coming by whining more before I have one of these. The last time I had a grand mal she started barking and would not stop until my parents came to me. Della has told my parents as little as 20 minutes before and as much as one hour before my seizures start by whining, pacing around me and if my parents are not in the room she goes to get them by opening doors if she has to. If I am standing up, Della will help me sit down, or she will push me up against a wall. Because of “Della’s” size and her strength she is able to hold me down so that I don’t hurt myself while I am having a seizure. She does not stop barking until she knows I am safe. Della has saved my life a couple of times now. I am very thankful that I have her as my “Service Dog.”

The next battle I am faced with is that Killeen Independent School District would not let me take Della to school with me. They are wrong in so many ways. The things they have told us are, “‘Della’ is not a real service dog.” “Rottweilers are dangerous.” “I have not been trained to handle my service dog.” “There may be kids in my school that are allergic or afraid of Della.” “She might snap and bite someone.” Della is nationally certified. Della and I both as a team have also passed the Assistance Dog and Handler Public Access Certification Test with a perfect score. I have worked with Della for over 7 months. What this school district has done to me is wrong on so many levels. They have broken the ADA laws on service dogs and they have taken things away from me that cannot be replaced. For example, I was not allowed to attend school for two weeks. My class is graduating from the 8th grade and we are moving on to High school next year. I have not been allowed to attend the graduation, or the class dance. I have not been allowed to go to Cheerleading practice or be at school with my friends. I have not even been allowed to take my finals at school.

Della and I should be able to walk into school and go to class like any other student and not be excluded from everything because she is a service dog. She is what keeps me safe right now both physically and mentally. This school not only refused to let a service dog in, but they have attacked the breed as well.

If they want to go after the breed let them hear this: Ask any Rottweiler owner and they will tell you that this breed is loyal, fun, well disciplined and meant to be with “humans”.

Della is a great service dog and no teacher, principal, administration or anyone else for that matter is going to tell me that this dog, because of her breed, is not allowed to be a service dog or that she is dangerous. This dog is my best friend and the one thing that I can always count on from her is my safety. Knowing that she will protect me and make sure that I’m safe before she even shows concern for herself is the most comforting thing for me after a seizure. I am always going to be here for her just like she is always going to be there for me. The school will not be allowed, if I can help it, to treat Della different than any other service dog.

My name is Heather Jones and I am 14 years old. Della and I have a goal now and we are making a difference in our school district! Together we will also one day make a difference in Texas to change the laws so that no child will ever have to go through what we have had to go through again!

UPDATE

School gives in and allows Della to work on campus, but under a set of rules that differ from other service animals on campus. As you can see from Heather, this will not be allowed to stand!

LETTERS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

June 16, 2009

Dear Killeen ISD Officials:

Having spoken with Mr. Ott today, I was assured Della and Heather were "at school". I thank those taking personal action to see that this student and her school recognized service animal were not kept out of class again today. While that may be the case, I also understand there were other issues discussed at a meeting this morning wherein an agreement was presented to Heather's mother to sign. I also am aware that another service dog has already been working on campus, a Golden Retriever, with none of the programs or requirements added, as has been attempted with Della. This does cause some concern for me. For now, the attached letter from the American Rottweiler Club stands, and I hope we do not have to send another letter, for example, if Della and Heather are barred from class or treated differently than other service animals on campus.

Thank you for your consideration, and please make sure all directors receive this email and attached letter.

Respectfully,

Jeff Shaver

June 16, 2009

All Interested KISD Officials
Dr. Robert Muller, Superintendent
Dr. Bobby Ott, Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Lynn Young, Director of Special Education
Joe Maines, Board President
Arthur H. Trujillo, Vice-President
Mike Helm, Secretary
Board Members: Ron Rainosek; Butch Menking; Terry Delano; Shelley Wells
KILLEEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
200 North WS Young Dr.
Killeen, Texas 76543

RE: Heather and Della, her service dog.

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jeff Shaver and I am a Texas resident. I am also President of the American Rottweiler Club and am writing you on behalf of all of our members nationwide, as well as those in Texas. I have been directly in contact with Mr. Corbin, counsel for Heather and her mother, Andrea Jones, regarding Della and her attendance at Killeen Independent School District in the service of Heather. I first wanted to thank Dr. Ott who returned my phone call this morning to advise me that in fact Della and Heather were in school today. I want to thank the Killeen Independent School District for allowing this to happen and ensuring that Heather's rights are protected. I also wanted to thank the Killeen Independent School District for confirming in writing to Mr. Corbin that, in fact, Della has been recognized as a certified service animal in the school district. Members of our Club are always proud to see one of the breed we love so much being recognized for the work they are capable of doing. Again, thanks to Dr. Ott for taking the time to return my call.

However, of continued concerned to our Club is the fact that numerous statements have been made and documented by school officials such as "Rottweilers can't be service dogs" and "if this were a Poodle, it would not be a problem". As you might or might not know, Texas law, Section 822 of the Health Code, prohibits governmental bodies from making or enforcing laws that discriminate against an animal based upon the breed of the animal itself. I am writing on behalf of the Club to strongly express our opposition to any such sentiments that might be held by School Board officials or employees of the Killeen Independent School District. While we are happy and pleased that Della and Heather are in school as they should be, we want to make it clear that they should remain in school, as the District has recognized Della as a certified service animal.

Rottweilers have served and are serving mankind in this country and around the world in almost every facet as other canines do. A Rottweiler served at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks working to find survivors. Rottweilers serve on police forces around the country protecting officers and citizens. Rottweilers are certified and registered in various states as service and therapy animals visiting intensive care units in hospitals, daycares, nursing homes, hospice, schools, and other places where their great intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability can be put to use to help mankind.

I, and the members of the American Rottweiler Club, have numerous sources of information and other documentation, if you feel you need it, to support why Rottweilers such as Della are and should be allowed to act as service animals. We, loyal owners of this breed of dog, applaud your actions in allowing Heather and Della to be in Summer school, based upon my conversation this morning with Dr. Ott. Please take all steps to see that such service is allowed to continue.

If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to my attention on behalf of the American Rottweiler Club by either phone, email, or mail (contact information listed above). We are at the service of Della and Heather, as well as the Killeen Independent School District.

On behalf of our members respectfully,

Jeff Shaver

President of the American Rottweiler Club

June 16, 2009

Subject: Della - Our Sweet Girl

Hello Mr. Shaver,

Please accept my deep appreciation for helping us to get this story out about Della. We are her original owners and trainers, Mike & Robin Wheeler.

I just wanted to share how much it blessed my heart today that so many people are talking about this over the web. Technology really is so amazing. We owe a great deal of gratitude for you taking the time out of your schedule to push this story forward.

You know - Heather was finally allowed in school today for the first time. Her mother and I accompanied her to the classroom where I was asked to talk to the students about their acceptable behavior around a service dog. Well, 8 administrators breathed down my neck as I faced the classroom of about 35 students. All eyes pierced poor Heather - forced to face her first official day of High School as the center of some crazy adult drama. I prayed for her that the kids would be kind and she and Della would make it through the day and at least one person would talk with her and not shun her away like the adults were doing - making her feel like she was an alien for having this big dog at her side.

I was with her mother today to pick Heather & Della up from the end of school. I nearly broke into tears as she (with the biggest grin I have seen on her face in weeks) tells us how many friends she had made today!!! She had great stories today that made all the difference in the world. What a beautiful day - the kids had it figured out.....there is nothing wrong with this young girl for needing an assistance dog. Why is that so hard for some adults to understand?

Well, sorry for the diatribe, but I wanted you to know how special your recognition of this situation is to all around us. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Robin & Mike Wheeler
Sit Means Sit Central Texas

June 17, 2009
Dear Killeen ISD Officials,

Again, thanks for your time. I, on behalf of the American Rottweiler Club, am glad Della is still in school.

I have been sent an "Agreement" that I am told is being required of Andrea to allow Della and Heather Jones to be able to continue in school. I have sent that agreement to associates in Houston and other states for their opinion as to the legality of such requirements especially where the District has already acknowledged Della as having met all needed requirements for a service animal. I certainly do not represent Heather. Mr. Corbin is more than capable of that task, however I have volunteered my services if needed.

All we want is for Della and Heather to be treated equally with all other service animals in schools across Texas. This is not "new territory" legally in Texas, or Federally.

I do have one question that I would like answered: Is there another service animal on campus that is being treated equally with Della? Simple enough?

If this is "all taken care of" as many are being told when they call, then thank you. If not, then please tell us, the public, what we can do to make this easier for the District.

Respectfully,

Jeff Shaver