“The real way to learn anything is to go out and experience it and let your curiosity lead you.” – From the movie “Curious George”
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals. You need to look no further than the fact that there are currently a few cats living with me. I don’t even like cats. Two of them were once strays that have since adapted quite well to the lap of luxury, and there’s currently a makeshift shelter on my patio set up to provide some comfort for another street cat that likes to come around. However, there are no plans to adopt another houseguest…seriously (ha, I say that now)!
There’s something about having an animal around that offers a different type of companionship, humor and joy than another person does. This is definitely amplified when you share your home with a monkey. It’s been 3 1/2 months since, Melanie, a helper monkey was placed with me, and thus, I figured it was time to give an update on how things have been going.
A little over two years ago I was made aware of, Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization that provides service monkeys to individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Specifically, Capuchin monkeys, which are small in size, well suited to a home environment and adept at adapting to new surroundings and new people in their lives. But perhaps more importantly, the monkeys use their hands to perform functional tasks that no other assistance animals can accomplish. They are natural tool users and have an active curiosity and a natural enjoyment for manipulating objects. Finally, there is an extremely strong emotional and fulfilling bond that occurs between the monkey and the person that brings with it a unique companionship that lasts for years to come.
After an intensive application process and several month delay (due to some nut job in Ohio who decided to open up a Jumanji board and release several wild animals among the public) I was finally placed with Melanie in late September. So far, our time consists of building a strong and trusting relationship. The time we spend together each day is more about hanging out and less about working out. At this point, I don’t rely on Melanie for assistance with any tasks, but instead let her climb over me, groom me and relax. Typically, it can take several months to build the trust to a level where the monkey is comfortable performing tasks and other instructions asked of it. Yes, I am eagerly awaiting the day when she will be able to scratch an itch, turn something on/off, reposition something, offer me something to drink, etc. – all tasks she already knows – but in the meantime, take great pleasure in building that trust.
Melanie is very lively! She loves kids, ignores the cats, looks forward to spending time together, watches a lot of TV and lets you know when her movie is over and needs something else to watch. She also loves getting a bath, but prefers to let someone else do the cleansing, even though you think she’d be able to do it herself. I guess she also likes to be pampered every now and then. She gets very excited every time I wheel into her room to let her out. Her cage has a spring door which I am able to open by gripping a rubber knob with my teeth and giving a slight pull. Each time I position my chair in place to open the cage, she clings to the side and watches me intensely. She cheers me on by pursing her lips together and pretending to also pull on the knob. It’s as if she’s saying, “Come on, Scott, you can do it!” In fact, it often takes two or three times before I get the cage open since I lose it and start laughing every time I see her bright, little eyes bearing down on me. But once I get it open, she climbs out, hops up on my chair and starts making her happy, cooing noises. Sometimes, I’ll make the noises with her, creating a chorus of grunts you’d expect to hear in Colombia and not Cleveland. So far, none of the neighbors have knocked on the door!
As time moves on, I will continue to keep everyone updated as our relationship progresses into more of a functional one. In the meantime, don’t be alarmed when you call me and hear strange, high-pitched wailing sounds in the background.
I have a few speaking events taking place over the next several months, which I will provide more detail on the near future. My sincere gratitude for all of the prayers and support you continue to show me.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Hi Scott,
I have been following your Blog here and there for some time now, never replied. I don’t know if you remember me, I was the SCI Fellow when you were at Metro. You are amazing. I’m happy to see you found Melanie, and happier to see you are trusting in God for all of your needs.
Mel
Love it !!!!!! So glad to hear your update and to be introduced to your new friend “Melanie.” She’s AWSOME. I wish you two the best of luck and thank you for sharing the picture with us. Looks like you two are bonding well and getting to know one another. Also please keep us updated with your future appearances. Looking forward to hearing you speak and hopefully to meet you some day. You trully inspire me and help me become a better person. I thank you for that Scott.
Have a blessed week
Wow, what a great photo. Scott you and Melanie seem to be bonding nicely and she looks like she’s found her best friend…..
Awe what a cute picture. And the monkey is cute, too! It looks like you both have bonded.
Scott,
What great fun to see you with your new “pal”. I had heard about her at your amazing and inspiring talk at St. Bart’s and it’s great to see her interacting with you. I know she will be a great help to you as well as bring you laughter and joy.
God bless you in your new ministery of bringing people closer to God in seeing your motivation, acceptance of His will and allowing Him to use you to see His everlasting love for all of us.
Praying for you and lifting you up to the Lord who knows your every want and need. You are always standing tall in His presence and our hearts,
Mrs. H.
Scott, this is neat, looks like you are buddies already! Best of luck with all that you will teach her, it looks like you two get along just fine! What a great picture of you and her together and love her name! xxoo
Thanks so much for sharing the picture of you and Melanie. She is darling and you do look good together.
All the best and God bless
What a sweetheart she is and so beautiful. I am so happy for you.
Love you and God bless
Scott,
Thanks a bunch for sharing. Melanie sure has character and I’m sure you spend a lot of time having great laughs. Keep up the training with her so we can have a new “Dynamic Duo.” Stay warm up there and southern hugs from me and Patty. Love you brother.
Scott, love the photo. Tell Melanie I said hi 🙂
scott i’m glad for you and melanie.. the joy will last and last.. i have two german shepherds and would not be without them.. i will continue praying for you..
Thanks for the update on Melanie. I can’t wait to hear about more adventures with her.
God Bless You, Scott!
Mary
Hey, Scott, Melanie is a beautiful little gal! Good luck and enjoy this fun and special time of getting to know each other!
Well, I am a little scared she will truly will be your partner in crime 🙂 Don’t corrupt the innocent little beast !
Truly she will be your helper and you two will build such a bond and trust.
Best wishes on this path ~
Dude,,,that is……..AWESOME<,,,,,,,!!!!!!!!!!!! I am seriously jealous. I have thought about getting a monkey for a long time–not kidding.
I am happy that you finally got a monkey. I know that will become your partner in crime. She will become a great friend. I'm sure you guys will get to know eachother well and she will do lot to help you out.
We gotta catch up soon…
Happy Christmas New Years
\\\alex/////
So happy to get the update on Melanie, several of our friends & family who follow your blogs have been asking about the “munkey”!
What, she didn’t come with a diva wardrobe??? 🙂
Hugs, love & prayers to you all!
What an awesome picture! So sweet! 🙂
This makes my day – what a fantastic act of courage from you, AGAIN! You’re willingness to explore every potential option to increase your independence continues to inspire us all. And damn, that is one adorable monkey! How does she do with your family, friends, staff?
Congrats on the new addition to the family. As you said your love for animals is one of the best there is. I work for a vet and to see the love people have for their animals is amazing. I to have a beautiful 5 year old Lab mix. Her name is Olive Oyl and she is not my service dog, but my friend and a Therapy dog. I love the smiles she puts on peoples faces when we go visit the SCI floor and the kids floors. I do beleive that she helps not only the patients but the families she comes in contact with. 2 cats share our home and as you said our laps are a place of comfort and warmth for the cats, but when I get out of my chair, the cats climb in and trying to get back in the chair will get my swatted. I would much rather them us my wheelchair, but I guess as long as I live with them I will have to give in to the cats.
Good luck with Melanie, she is beautiful.