By Morgan Earle

 Hi, my name is Morgan Earle and I am a 12 th grade student at CHS as well as an animal lover. I’d like to tell you a little about myself. I was born with a brain injury which has caused seizures. I have had three operations and medical care since I was born. In 2003, I talked my parents into finding a service dog so I could become more independent. In June 2006, I graduated from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) with my wonderful assistance dog, Tomba. You may have seen us together around town. Since graduation, Tomba and I have worked to raise awareness about disabilities and the use of service dogs.  Tomba was inducted into the New Jersey Veterinary Foundation Hall of Fame in Both Tomba and I were featured in the Daily Record, the Star Ledger, ZooToo.com, and the 2007 Canine Companions calendar. Tomba and I like to take agility courses at St. Hubert’s.

This is a picture of Tomba and me and some of my CCI friends and their service dog partners at the Abilities Expo

I gave a speech at a conference about how a service dog can change your life. Here is Tomba carrying my speech.

Here I am with Tomba and my sister, Abbey, a ninth grader at CHS. Abbey is raising a puppy for CCI named Harlin who hopefully will one day assist someone.

Tomba and I visited Washington, D.C. last year representing the Epilepsy Foundation. Here we are by the Capitol Building.

Tomba helps me with my cell phone which is attached to his collar.

Tomba, Abbey and I visited relatives in Lake Placid. We posed on the winner’s platform. Please note that Tomba is the gold medal winner!

Tomba helps me shop for groceries. He enjoys carrying packages and he will pick up dropped items.

Service dogs should not be distracted from their work for safety reasons. But if you talk with their handler sometimes you may greet them briefly, without petting. Tomba sometimes shakes hands with my permission.

Tomba and I are about to board a plane to go for specialized medical care. Tomba stays with me on the plane and enjoys the flights.

Tomba helps to take care of me when I am in the hospitals and doctor’s offices.

Tomba and I enjoy a CCI fundraising dinner in New York City called, “Hearts and Heros.”

Tomba helps me by opening and closing the refrigerator door.

This is Tomba at home with his stuffed animal, Teddy.

Tomba and I are going to a demo, and Tomba is showing how he helps me by carrying a water bottle.

Tomba will be coming to CHS with me for half days starting about the second or third week of January. He will quietly lie down next to me in the classroom. Since he is a service dog, please do not pet him or distract him from his work in any way. He is trained to be “invisible” when on duty. Because of federal and state laws, Tomba has successfully gone with me to restaurants, movie theaters, malls, and all sorts of public places. Thank you to everyone at CHS and in my classes for welcoming and respecting this highly trained and very special dog!

Speak with the handler; most handlers are happy to talk with you about their dog. Service dogs are very focused on their work; for the safety of the team, please avoid all distractions such as: Noises, food, touching Service dogs should generally not be touched. Upon asking for and receiving permission from the handler(s), some may explain and allow specific greetings. Enjoy learning more about service dogs!