Gina Ventucci, a psycho-social rehabilitation worker who runs a support group for the disabled at Someone's Treasure on Broadway, has had cerebral palsy since her premature birth. She was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy when she was in college. When the two flare up, it's a nightmare. But help from a service dog is like having working arms and legs for Ventucci.

Trouble controlling and coordinating muscles makes simple movements difficult. Service dogs that are trained to open doors, pick up items, turn lights on and off, pull her manual wheelchair, help her change positions in bed and many other tasks, have allowed Ventucci to remain independent since she was a young woman. Her first service dog, Valentine, even accompanied her at graduation, receiving her diploma from the dean.

When RJ, her service dog and companion for 11 years, developed a fatal brain tumor, she knew finding another service dog was mandatory to remain independent. RJ died April 1.

Although the new dog, Lance, came without cost, the price becomes exorbitant for an individual who receives a small disability stipend and works limited hours. The cost was in getting to the two-week training at Canine Companions for Independence in Delaware, Ohio, and staying away from home for that period of time.

"I had to rent a van since mine couldn't make the trip," Ventucci said. "Then there's the two-week stay in a hotel room while receiving training. With the added the cost of meals and gas, it all adds up."

The cost of a full-time nurse to accompany Ventucci plus two unforseen trips to the emergency room also added to expenses.

Having a service dog enables Ventucci to lead a productive life. She seeks additional employment opportunities in her field to help pay for the incurred expenses to acquire Lance, her new service dog. She said, "He already knows how to open doors, turn lights on and off, open drawers and has the knowledge of tuck and pull and follow-through."

Financial support from the community to help Ventucci pay for incurred expenses may be made payable to the Gina Ventucci Fund at First Missouri State Bank, 2 South Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133