One Girl And Her Dog

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

(CBS)  Shea Megale is just 12 years old. But she's set to release her second book, about a character named Mercer who has lots of adventures.

"'Woo hoo,' Mercer yelled, with his ears flapping in the wind…" Shea reads from the book.

Shea travels with her mother, who helps her write the books, and a service dog, CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports.

The fact that she travels at all is remarkable, because she suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy - a paralyzing disease.

"I was born with this disease. And, you know, I just grew up with it, grew up accepting it, and I moved on," she explains.

Her first book began as a few entries in her diary, discovered by her mother - sketches of Mercer ice skating … by a little girl who never would.

"And so … you think that Mercer is really sort of her, in her imagination?" Schlesinger asks.

"Yeah, I do," Megan Megale, Shea's mother, said. "And I think he's an outlet for her, too."

But Mercer is not just an imaginary friend. He's very real.

And Schlesinger met Mercer, the real dog.

He's a four-legged metaphor for a life lived in a little girl's mind. He goes everywhere with her, helping her with everyday chores and inspiring her fantasies.

"Why did you choose Mercer to be the star of your books?" Schlesinger asks.

"Well, I thought he was the star of my life. So I thought why not the book? He's really amazing and he can, he's my best buddy and he deserved it I thought," Shea says.

It's her escape from the reality of her disease, which doctors say will probably kill her by her late teens.

At 12 years old, she's already too weak to move very much.

But she is moving others.

Her book has been picked up by FAO Schwartz and Amazon. And more books are in the planning stage. Mercer will go swimming and sledding and all sorts of other things … things that Shea knows she'll never do.

But she says it doesn't make her sad.

"No, it doesn't 'cause, you know ... I'm sure there's stuff you can't do, am I right?" Shea says.

"It gives her a whole new identity of, you know what, instead of this is what it is and I've gotta find a way to live my life to showing people this is how you live life," Megan Megale says.

But Mercer makes all things possible for Shea. He's her muse, her hero, a central character in both her lives … real and imaginary.

---

To visit Mercer's Web site, click here.

[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..

[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.

[mypuppylv]

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

[mypuppylv]

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

[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.

[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.

[jbearle1]

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

[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.

[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.)

[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

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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

[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.

[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.

[svarilias]

The story about Shea and Mercer was wonderful! They are an inspiration to all. It would be great to hear a more in-depth story about Shea and how Mercer was trained by Canine Companions for Independence. Many people could benefit from learning about service dogs and the many ways the dogs assist the disabled. Keep spreading the word.

[jbgallo2]

The story brought tears to my eyes. My dog died in November 2007. He was also all black. A big German Shepherd who weighed in at 120 lbs. But he was a little lamb. It really put me down, I miss him very much. I keep his ashes close at all times. I pray God finds a special place for his loving and devoted soul. Bye Ian-Wolf, I love you. Quarar

[jbgallo2]

I was so busy feeling sorry for myself, I completely forgot to mention that the girl Shea and her dog Mercer really blew me away. Good luck kid. I know you''re making a lot of us happy and giving us a good day. Don''t ever give up, stay positive. Love you.

Quarar

[svarilias]

The story about Shea and Mercer was wonderful! They are an inspiration to all. It would be great to hear a more in-depth story about Shea and how Mercer was trained by Canine Companions for Independence. Many people could benefit from learning about service dogs and the many ways the dogs assist the disabled. Keep spreading the word.

[nvise]

What a wonderful story about how a dog from Canine Companions for Independence can change the life of this little girl. I hope we see more stories like this.

[thom1143]

What an inspiring young lady. Congratulations to all the volunteers and workers at Canine Companions for Independence for helping make this miracle happen! From the volunteer breeder caretakers, to the volunteer puppy raisers, to the trainers, you can really see all the hard work and love that was put into making Mercer what he is today. What a class act organization! I would love to see more on this story and Canine Companions for Independence....

[svarilias]

The story about Shea and Mercer was wonderful! They are an inspiration to all. It would be great to hear a more in-depth story about Shea and how Mercer was trained by Canine Companions for Independence. Many people could benefit from learning about service dogs and the many ways the dogs assist the disabled. Keep spreading the word.

[svarilias]

The story about Shea and Mercer was wonderful! They are an inspiration to all. It would be great to hear a more in-depth story about Shea and how Mercer was trained by Canine Companions for Independence. Many people could benefit from learning about service dogs and the many ways the dogs assist the disabled. Keep spreading the word.

[pdsalerno]

Fantastic story about Shea and Mercer. Shea is incredible, and I think it would be really helpful to lots of people to learn more about her and about Mercer and CCI. I know lots of folks who would benefit from a CCI dog and also people who would like to get more involved. I hope learning more about Shea and Mercer, their bond, how they met, and what Mercer does for Shea would be very informative.

[judipepper]

What a wonderful story! Mercer seems like a god send for Shea. I''m sure that there are other children who would benefit from a "friend" and "helper" like shea. There is no mention of the organization who trained and paired Mercer with Shea. I would love for other parents to obtain the knowleged needed to see their disabled child with a service dog. In my eyes, a service dog such as Mercer, enables a child to go from the wierd kid in the wheelchair to the cool kid with dog. Please consider doing a more in depth story ,but thank you for educating the public.

Judi Staff

[pawtyanimal]

Loved the story on Shea and Mercer. It''s wonderful to hear an inspiring, uplifting story on the news. I would love to hear more about their relationship, how long they have been together, and what services Mercer provides for Shea. I would also like to know more about the organization Mercer came from.

[azhusker8]

Our news sorely needs more positive stories like Shea and Mercer. Not only does this story inform us of an articulate young lady and her service dog, but it also shows a disabled person in a positive light. All too often the public see only a wheelchair and not an individual. Mercer helps Shea become a person. I would like to see a further story on this relationship, not only of Shea and Mercer but also the steps in the process to get Mercer. I am sure it took time and effort. Telling about that journey might let others know the process through which they too can become more independent and fulfilled with a service dog.

[noel7230]

What an amazing and heart warming story. I think more stories like this one would not only benefit Shea, Mercer and Canine Companions but so many children and adults with disabilities. To know there is life outside of their disability and that they can do so much more than they can imagine. Shea is already 12 and the story reports she may only live into her late teens! Wow! Here she is an author, not full of self-pity and dispair but life and hope, fullfilling her dreams and touching the world. Animals have such a healing effect. Truly a gift from God. May we all ban together and get the word out so others may be given the same opportunity as Shea and Mercer! Would love to see more published on the subject.

[jeriwex]

Wonderful story! It brought a tear to my eye. I would like to know more about how and where these wonder dogs are trained and what other services they provide other than being a best "buddy".

[megaffney]

Great story about Shea & her service dog, Mercer. Would love to see more about them and their stories. I hope she''ll include something about her fears in one of her books; I''m sure Mercer could face down a shark or ride a roller-coaster no-sweat! I''m a volunteer puppy raiser with CCI, and a story like this really makes it easier to let the puppies go on to the work they''re intended to do. Great work Shea & Mercer (and Mom)!

[megaffney]

Great story about Shea & her service dog, Mercer. Would love to see more about them and their stories. I hope she''ll include something about her fears in one of her books; I''m sure Mercer could face down a shark or ride a roller-coaster no-sweat! I''m a volunteer puppy raiser with CCI, and a story like this really makes it easier to let the puppies go on to the work they''re intended to do. Great work Shea & Mercer (and Mom)!

[joduette]

What a wonderful and well done story about not only how wonderful Shea is but her lovely CCI dog Mercer. My son also has a skilled companion from CCI. Karis is my son''s number one fan and a constant companion. It is a good thing that the public see the benifits of such a relationship for those kids who are "different".

[jlawyer4]

Shea is an inspiring person and author.
Mercer is a wonderful dog and the canine companions puppy raisers
helped him learn to be a helpful companion. It would
be cool if this book could be in every library in
the country. It seems that most kids and adults, too,
would enjoy a story about Mercer,
his puppyhood and how he learned to be a companion
dog, how Mercer came to Shea and about their life
together.

[kmolonyk]

What a wonderful story - just another miracle made possible by Canine Companions for Independence and it''s many volunteers!

[peteroth-2009]

I think your publishing articles like this do a great service to the community. It is wonderful to see and hear how these dogs can improve and affect the lives of their partners. My heartiest congratulations to Shea and also to Canine Companions for Independence in making this partnership work so well

[lisamarn]

Awesome story... Another great team matched by Canine Companions for Independence! I can so relate to Shea. I have Anna, a service dog trained by CCI, and Anna has changed my life so much and has enhanced by independence. Shea and Mercer are going to educate a lot of people! You go girl!

[alaby1]

How wonderful see see Shea and Mercer on CBS Nightly News. I hope to see more about Canine Companions on CBS and how these special service dogs help children and adults with disabilities. I know the March 13 spot will help to educate the public on how important service dogs are in the life of a disabled person. And if CBS could do a more in depth reporting on CCI, that would be wonderful.

[tldoran]

A great story about an incredible young lady. She is more confident and at ease than most adults would be on camera. Wow!

[heartwings1]

This is an inspiring story. It would be wonderful to learn more about this exceptional young woman, her mother and their exceptional Canine Companion

[pixel4]

thank you for such a positive story. If Mercer is the star of Shea''s life I need to know more. This compelling young woman clearly draws strength from her family and her dog. Please, more insight on both.

[nuela-2009]

I loved this feature about Shea and her Canine Companion. I did a service dog presentation at an elementary school today and mentioned her book. All the kids said it needs to be in their library. I would love to see more publicity about Shea and her wonderful life partner.

[nuela-2009]

I loved your feature of Shea and Mercer. I did a service dog presentation at an elementary school today and mentioned Shea and her book. All the kids said they would like to see it in their library. It would be great to see more publicity about this.

[dogdancer1]

Can we see more about Shea and her dog? Her story is amazing on so many levels. I was mesmerized by her insightful and inspiring nature. And I wanted to know more about her dog and see what their day is like. Shea has so much to teach us just by being herself. As a parent, I also would love to see how Shea''s mother has faced her challenges -- she clearly has stepped up to the plate! Beautiful! Thank you for the positve modeling for facing adversity; we need it these days! (P.S. Next time, please put Shea front and center rather than hidden behind the arm of the sofa.)

[angelline-2009]

What a wonderful story - just another miracle made possible by Canine Companions for Independence and it''''s many volunteers! lucky me I just found some photos on another rich men seeking fun site wealthy beauty .c o m

[mrsltgrw]

This story has the potential to help so many more people, please do an in depth story.
Canine Companions for Independence is simply amazing
and you really did not give much info on this wonderful organiztion. Thank you!

[mrsltgrw]

This story has the potential to help so many more people, please do an in depth story.
Canine Companions for Independence is simply amazing
and you really did not give much info on this wonderful organiztion. Thank you!

[mrsltgrw]

This story has the potential to help so many more people, please do an in depth story.
Canine Companions for Independence is simply amazing
and you really did not give much info on this wonderful organiztion. Thank you!

[mrsltgrw]

This story has the potential to help so many more people, please do an in depth story.
Canine Companions for Independence is simply amazing
and you really did not give much info on this wonderful organiztion. Thank you!