When I was a little kid, my parents used to have a silky terrier named Benji. I don't remember much about him; however, I heard stories of Benji running in circles around me when Mum and Dad brought me home from the hospital. One of my first-ever memories is that Benji was my little guard dog who barked when people came near me. He loved me, and I loved him right back! After Benji passed on, my parents decided not to have a dog because our lives were too busy. Having a disability, my mother was constantly in and out of appointments. When my brother and I had a sleepover at our aunts’ house, their dogs Scrappy and Gizmo always jumped on my bed and barked in my ear. I love them, but deep down, I wanted a dog of my own. 

For 3 decades, I lived without a dog, but the desire was still there. My goals were to run my own business, travel, study and just be young. When I bought my own unit, it was still a thought at the back of my mind. Although my best friend Bert and I were still travelling a lot, I figured we could do it if we wanted to. We have a nice unit now near the beach, so maybe people could just stay here with the dog when we go away.  Last year, we went to Europe and did a huge trip, but then we got back and the idea of getting a dog of our own started bubbling again. 

We started to look around online for a puppy and discuss this a little more. Then the Facebook ads started coming thick and thin from local breeders. As my unit is “Smart Access” for everything, Bert’s conspiracy theories were coming out. Another topic for another day regarding smart homes, disability, and technology. If his theory were true, I didn’t mind, though, as the result was the best companion one could have.  I initially thought I would get a labradoodle because they were big enough that I could play with them easily, due to my wheelchair.  However, a friend told us that labradoodles sit with their paws out, and potentially, I may run over to their paws with my wheelchair. We decided we would either investigate a groodle or cavoodle breed and perhaps at the end of the year buy one. We were then bombarded with breeders’ Ads and photos of available dogs in our area. We contacted the breeder. After a few days of messaging the breeder, we decided to do a meet and greet with one of the puppies.  On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the cutest little puppy was on my tray. He had huge brown eyes that stared at me like he was curious. It was love at first sight, and I knew that right then he was our dog.

 To be honest with you, I had a tear in my eye because I knew that he was the one. His original name, which the breeder gave him, was Nugget. Bert and I said that we needed time to talk, so Nugget went home with the breeder. For 3 days, Bert and I had deep conversations about getting a dog and what it would take to have him. Having a disability, there are many dog ownership responsibilities that I could not provide, but the number one requirement a pet needs is love, and I have heaps of that to dish out. The rest we would work out with my supports which I have in place for my everyday life. That Saturday, we made our minds up and Bert rang the breeder. Nugget came back around and was my tray again. He was officially ours! We were thinking about names because Nugget didn't suit him as a puppy. Those who know me know I LOVE music more than anything else, so it had to be music-related, or so I thought.  Mj and Bowie were my 2 original names. However, when Bert suggested Marty, it felt right, as my other love is DR marten shoes. 

Marty's first few weeks were hectic with a new puppy buzzing around our unit. He got used to navigating my chair, and he figured out how to jump on my tray by himself, using the couch and the side table. We started going to puppy school and got a trainer to help us around our house. What I love about having Marty around is the unconditional love that he gives me every day. Getting him as a puppy was essential so that he could get used to the sounds of my wheelchair, learn when he must step away (for instance, when I am transferring onto my bed) or when he can and can’t do things. 

He has a dog playgroup down at our local park that meets every single afternoon at 4.30 pm. Being in a community of dog lovers is awesome, and I am getting to know some people in my area. Marty has a little girlfriend called Zoe, a gorgeous schnauzer. Whenever they see each other, they jump on each other and roll around in the grass together. Seeing his energy and “puppyness” has brought joy to my life so much.  It has changed the way I do things in some regards, but we are still navigating this. I have an active social life and go out a lot. Marty doesn't like being alone in our unit. He used to cry when we left. However, he has improved in the last month or two. Having Marty has changed my life for the better, and life is so much fun with him around. We are still learning new things from each other, however, it's a joy growing a family unit together. Living with Marty by my side feels amazing, and I still will travel and have my regular life as well. I highly recommend pet ownership for people with disabilities as it brings so much joy. 

I have enjoyed it so much that there is a seed planted in my mind to perhaps get another dog. I have already figured out his name: Doc. So watch this space.

About the Author: 

Marlena Katene is Australia’s most unique entertainment journalist. Having Cerebral Palsy Marlena communicates via an ABC Board and iPad. After completing her Bachelor of Communications degree Marlena has been blessed to interview a wide range of people ranging from Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and even the Dalia Lama. While her journalism focuses mainly on music she also has written on other issues and freelance writes for a variety of magazines. Apart from her journalism work, Marlena is an avid traveller and adventure seeker. In 2016 she became the first person in the world with Cerebral Palsy to Base jump, achieving this feat by jumping off the 421 metre KL Tower in Malaysia. Addicted to travelling she is always seeking the next adventure and place to explore. You can find Marlena on Instagram as @marlena_katene