April 11--Patrick Maresh and his dog, Mary Lou, are a package deal.
It's rare to see one without the other since the duo first came together five years ago. They navigate the hallways at Downers Grove North High School together, attend basketball games and other extracurricular activities, and deliver mail for Maresh's part-time job at the school.
Mary Lou has expanded the world for 18-year-old Patrick, who suffers from disabilities. The 6-year-old golden retriever recently was one of nine canines named to Milk-Bone's list of "Dogs that Changed the World." She was nominated by Canine Assistants.
"She's his social conduit," said Jennifer Arnold, founder and executive director at Canine Assistants in Milton, Ga. The nonprofit that trained Mary Lou provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs.
People often stop to say "hello" to Patrick and Mary Lou, but it wasn't always that way. People didn't talk to Patrick because he is mostly nonverbal. That lack of social connection has changed since Mary Lou came into his life, said Patrick's mother, Jan Maresh.
"If you've got a dog at the end of a leash, everybody wants to talk to you," she said. "It's not awkward if Patrick doesn't respond."
Maresh's speech is limited because of low muscle tone throughout his body. He also has cognitive delays.
When people stop to pet or admire Mary Lou, Patrick smiles or nods in acknowledgment and that's enough.
"We call it the magic of Mary Lou," Jan Maresh said.
Mary Lou, who was trained for about a year and a half, also helps Patrick stay calm in situations that previously produced anxiety.
"She guides him through crowds," Jan Maresh said.
Having Mary Lou also changed the lives of the entire Maresh family, which includes Jan's husband, William, and daughters Meredith, 24, and Lanie, 20. Patrick used to get anxious and distracted when attending events that required attention such as going to a concert. One of his parents usually had to leave with him.
"I spent more time walking in lobbies," Jan Maresh recalled.
With his dog at his feet, "his attention level has increased; his anxiety has decreased. He's so much more relaxed," his mom said.
Mary Lou helps Patrick feel independent because he doesn't have to always seek help for simple tasks like turning on a light switch or picking up something he dropped.
Patrick also has difficulty eating. Mary Lou stays at his side during meals.
"Any food that drops is fair game. She keeps him clean," Jan Maresh joked.
When Patrick was 13, he went to a two-week camp at Canine Assistants where he selected Mary Lou and learned how to command and work with her.
Patrick could have chosen several other dogs, but he and Mary Lou hit it off.
"It was chemistry," Arnold said. "I don't know. It was amazing. They fell in love."
Mary Lou was the only dog in the Chicago area recognized by Milk-Bone brand dog treats. Milk-Bone partnered with Canine Assistants to choose the nine "top dogs" on the list.
"Our honored dogs, including Mary Lou, all have pet parents they help on a daily basis," said Shannon Toyos, director of marketing for Milk-Bone. "Whether detecting a seizure before it happens, sensing when blood sugar is low, assisting with daily tasks or just helping their pet parent be more confident living with their disability, these hero dogs deserve to be championed for the life-changing impact they have on their parents' lives."
Arnold said about 2,000 dogs have been trained by Canine Assistants.
In addition to helping Patrick handle the tasks and stresses of everyday life, Mary Lou helps him feel loved in the way only a dog can.
"She sees him as the most perfect creation," Arnold said. "That's unbelievably empowering. That starts to change how you feel about yourself."
amannion@tribpub.com
