By the time she was 8, the disease had gradually deteriorated her bones. It became too difficult for her to walk, and she began using a wheelchair. After graduating in 1996 from Cole High School in San Antonio, she sought assistance from the organization Paws With A Cause. Dog trainers there taught Nick 48 commands after they learned from an interview with Amanda what kind of dog she would need. Nick was trained specifically to pick up things that are too high or low for Amanda to reach.
People are reluctant to come up to people in wheelchairs.
Gailey began teaching Gabby at eight weeks, and when Gabby leaves at 14 months, the dog will know 30 preliminary commands. After Gailey finishes with Gabby, the dog will travel to California, where he will receive advanced training at the national CCI headquarters. There, Gabby will learn to combine the preliminary commands Gailey taught him with more advanced ones. Gailey said people are more comfortable approaching a dog than approaching a disabled person alone. They provide the gift of independence.