Daisy Mae’s got a Rose, but now she needs a Chief

With her smile and her hair adorned with ribbons, Daisy Mae Blossom Messer can’t be missed. Neither can her well-dressed rabbit, Lavender Rose, which she keeps on her lap in a whicker basket.

A Laguna resident for 34 years, Messer lost mobility in her legs at the age of six after fighting polio. Today, locals recognize Messer as she wheels herself through downtown carrying bouquets of roses.

“A rose for your nose,” Messer says as she extends fresh blossoms to thankful recipients.

The roses, along with incense, are sold to businesses in town. Free single roses are given to those Messer feels are a little depressed.

Though she is self-sufficient, profits from the rose and incense business fall short of affording a guide dog, Messer said.

“I’ve wanted a dog for a very long time. As I get older I feel I need one even more. We all face challenges as we get older,” she said.

Len and Elaine Weinstein are intent that Messer not face this one alone.

The owners of Ropage Beauty & Salon, the Weinsteins are holding a fundraiser to help pay for a guide dog for Messer.

“She is very giving of her friendship and time, asking nothing of anyone,” Len Weinstein said.

While attending Pet Expo in Costa Mesa last month, Elaine Weinstein and Messer were turned on by a presentation from the Dogwish Foundation. They decided to get the wheels rolling on a fundraiser to make their dreams become a reality.

The Dogwish Foundation operates out of Phelan California and is headed by Bob Taylor, who has 30 years of experience in training dogs.

Messer has already been introduced to a trained German Shepherd named Chief, which is being reserved for her.

While Lavender Rose serves as a great traveling mate for Messer, she’s no match for the security Chief would provide.

“Chief will be able to assist Daisy with tasks in her daily life that most of us take for granted. He would become her companion, friend and assistant,” Len Weinstein said.

Messer, who lives alone, sees the dependability of Chief as having a profound change on her life.

“If something happened he would be there for me,” Messer said.

Chief is 18 months old and is in the third of five training phases.

Should an emergency arise, Chief would know how to seek help. Opening doors and turning off lights are other skills he is learning.

Messer has some concern that her cat, Savannah Rose, may not be open to the idea of having a dog around the house, but feels she can make a peaceful transition.

“I’ve already started saying his name so she gets used to it,” Messer said.

Those wishing to contribute to Messer’s campaign to acquire a guide dog can do so through the Daisy Fund at Bank of America, Acct. #00973-42002.cpt.09-focus-CPhotoInfoT61RPQ6A20060609j0k874ncDON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Daisy Messer looks forward to a fundraiser that will be held by Ropage Salon to get her a much-needed guide dog to help her around town.