Palisades Teen is Picture of Perseverance

By SIERRA DAVIS | Pali Life Editor

Seventeen-year-old Palisadian Ashley Longo is bubbly, outgoing and confident. Born with a rare spine abnormality, Longo has used a wheelchair her entire life, but it hasn’t stopped her from being an independent, self-assured young woman.

“I don’t see myself as someone with a disability,” Longo told the Palisadian-Post. “I drive, I ski, I surf; I can do most things, I just do them differently. I’ve never let my disability stop me.”

Growing up, Longo relied on an assistance dog, Hamlin, from Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Hamlin came to be part of her family when Longo was 10 years old.

“I was learning how to be independent and I needed a companion,” she said. “Hamlin was so special. He would do anything for me. I would just look at him and he would wag his tail because he just wanted to please.”

Hamlin was by her side until her sophomore year of high school when he passed away and Longo had to reapply for a new companion through the program.

After being on the waiting list for two years, Longo was matched with Prodigy, a Labrador/Golden retriever cross, last summer.

The two were paired together after completing an intense, residential, two-week team training course at Canine Companions’ Southwest Regional Training Center in Oceanside, California.

During team training, students are strategically matched with assistance dogs and learn how to work with them safely and effectively. Prodigy trained for two years prior to their match to learn about 40 commands to help Longo with everyday tasks, like picking up dropped items, opening doors, turning on light switches and more.

Although these are all tasks Longo said she is capable of doing herself, having her canine companion there for support is comforting.

“I’m very independent and determined,” said the Louisville High senior. “People at school ask me ‘If you could walk, would you?’ and I don’t think I would. My wheelchair is part of me, but it doesn’t define me. I have had so many amazing experiences because of it that have shaped me into the person I am today.”

One experience Longo said has been particularly impactful is her involvement in a peer-mentoring program based in San Diego where she works with a 9-year-old girl who was confined to a wheelchair after being hit by a driver who ran a red light.

The two meet monthly to spend time together, taking trips to the beach, the pumpkin patch, the American Girl Doll store and more.

“She’s the sweetest, most amazing little girl and I’ve learned so much from her,” Longo said. “Being in a wheelchair is new for her and her mom, so I just try to let them know they don’t need to worry – I’ve grown up in a wheelchair and I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Next year, Longo hopes to continue exploring her independence when she attends college to study clinical psychology.

“I’m nervous and excited, just like all of my friends,” she said. “I’ve lived in the Palisades my whole life and I love it so much. It’s going to be hard to leave. I think it’s the best place ever – I’ll be back!”

For more information about Canine Companions for Independence, visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.