Comments on: One Girl And Her Dog

Paralyzed Young Girl Has Found Inspiration In Her Four-Legged Companion

[rk9suv]

Shea, you''re amazing! Would love to hear more about your journey in obtaining Mercer from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). It would be a great opportunity to educate people about service dogs and what they provide to their partners. Best of luck, can''t wait to read the 2nd book.

[robefabe]

Oh my goodness. What a fabulous young woman! I hope Shea''s books about Mercer bring her more happiness than she could ever imagine. He''s her hero! Can you please do a story on the training the dog receives? Your article didn''t mention anything about who trained him. Does this person/organization take donations? I''d love to know more about the way Shea and Mercer met and then bonded. It sounds like a true love story.

[susancalavno]

We watched the CBS Evening News story about Shea and Mercer and were so impressed by Shea and her mother. Shea has left a footprint on our hearts! What an incredible young lady.

Susan and Dave Calvano

[patcatohp]

This is a remarkable young lady. She is an inspiration to those of us who are much older. The video captured some of the connection between Shea and her best friend, Mercer. A story on their becoming a team would be terrific-would love to see how the connection happens and flourishes! I think it would be a great help to many people. Thanks for airing this piece!

[pupsragas]

What an incredible young woman. I love that she made Mercer the star of her books because he is the star of her life. Would love to hear more about Shea and Mercer''s relationship. Would also like to see more about the relationships of people who have disabilities and their companion dogs. Would especially like to see some coverage of agencies such as Canine Companions for Independence--How does someone go about getting one of these fabulous companion dogs. How are they trained, etc, etc.

[wenandme]

Congratulations to Shea and Mercer! Those two are clearly a team. Shea and her attitude are a gift . I am happy that Mercer has been the sparkle in Shea''s eye. I think we should learn more about Canine Companions for Indepenence and how they assist persons with varying degrees of abilities.

[miriamlh-2009]

Great story, but you need to mention the organization that Mercer is trained. The Canine Companion for Independence is a wonderful organization. It raises dogs and helps people like Shea. These dogs are a miracle for people like Shea and gives them a reason to live one their own. Thanks for doing this story. I would like to see more on this story about Shea and Mercer and the Canine Companion for Independence. Also others who are using dogs from this organization

[miriamlh-2009]

Great story, but you need to mention the organization that Mercer is trained. The Canine Companion for Independence is a wonderful organization. It raises dogs and helps people like Shea. These dogs are a miracle for people like Shea and gives them a reason to live one their own. Thanks for doing this story. I would like to see more on this story about Shea and Mercer and the Canine Companion for Independence. Also others who are using dogs from this organization

[rick_in_sd]

This is a very nice story. Thanks for covering it. I also have SMA, and I''m 53 years old. Shea looks stronger than I was at age 12. Keeping VERY active is the key.

Doctors have told me that most SMA patients have way above average intelligence, so her talent does not surprise me. I myself have a PhD in Biochemistry from Princeton, and I''ve had a long career creating software to help design new pharmaceuticals.

I hope Shea keeps having fun! (If she wants to contact me, CBS has my email address.)

[nuela-2009]

A great story about Mercer and Shea. Shea is an amazing young women and very articulate. I would like know more about Mercer and how he and Shea became a team.

[jbearle1]

What a wonderful young lady, what a wonderful dog! What wonderful work to link assistance dogs and their very special partners!

[jillianne2]

What a wonderfully gifted child. I''d like to hear more about Mercer. Perhaps she could share some more thoughts. She is a breath of fresh air - an inspiration.

[ljcortezsbc]

A very inspiring story for anyone with a disability. Thank you for sharing what a difference Assistance Dogs can make to facilitate a full and meaningful life.

[mypuppylv]

Awesome!! These dogs are amazing!! Keep those books coming Shea! And what a good boy Mercer!
Canine Companions for Independence - wonderful organization.

[mypuppylv]

Awesome!! These dogs are amazing!! Keep those books coming Shea! And what a good boy Mercer!

[boston1954]

That was BEAUTIFUL!!! She was terrific. I am not sure I could be that upbeat if I were in her situation. Thank you, Richard, for bringing us this story.

[drmoo2]

Loved the story of Shea and Mercer. It would be interesting to find out more about the real Mercer and what he does in his day to day life that is so inspiring to Shea..