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.

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To visit Mercer's Web site, click here.

[pressrob]

What a wonderful story about a wonderful young woman. I think many people would benefit from learning more about Canine Companions for Independence and the oppurtunities that service dogs can provide to the disabled community.

[mvhill]

Great story about Shea and Mercer. She is, indeed, talented and wise beyond her years. Like many others who have commented, I would like to see an in-depth story about Canine Companions for Independence, the nonprofit organization that raised and trained Mercer, with the help of volunteers and staff galore! The "team training" process that matches a disabled person with his/her dog is truly a miracle. I partipated 3 years ago with my Service Dog Indira III. She is absolutely amazing and has made such a difference in my life with MS. Thank you, CBS, and thank you, CCI!

[tamiexmas]

I WILL BE ORDERING HER BOOKS FOR MY CHILDREN FOR THIS EASTER....

[dbassett101]

Wow, what a delightful story, I''m emailing this to all my friends. The world needs more of this kind of journalism. I love the part about her attitude, she''s an amazing gal and Mercer is amazing, too.

[stacy611]

Wonderful, heartwarming story! I''d love to see an entire show dedicated to Shea, Mercer, and the thousands of others who have CCI dogs. And please don''t forget the puppy raisers! I have a friend who raises puppies for CCI. She takes in a wee pup, loves him, nurtures him, does basic training for a year plus ... thend gives him up so another person like Shea can discover the freedom and love of a canine companion. Please help make this a reality for more people by featuring CCI in one of your hour long programs!

[kindy3]

This young girl is remarkable. Her book should be in every classroom to remind one that life can be good, it is just how you look at it!

[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!

[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!

[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

[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.)

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[tldoran]

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

[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.

[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!