These stories are taken from NEADS. All rights reserved.
Tootsie, an Assistance Dog for the Ministry, was matched with me on October 2017. Since that time, she’s made quite an impact on the Northampton, MA.Tootsie spends time on the street corner, at coffee shops, and at yoga classes I teach where prisoners attend in the most painful moments and the most joyful.Tootsie teaches me every day to be in the moment, to lead with love and joy, and to let the rest unfold." - Stephanie Smith My wife of 41 years became gravely ill and could no longer be my “ears” – hearing the alarm clock, the knock at the door, the smoke alarm. Just weeks before she died, she made me promise to get a Hearing Dog.I came across NEADS during an online search and was impressed with what I read and the videos I watched. I waited for Digby for 2 years. He has not only made me feel safer in my environment and eased my anxieties but has also helped me be a happier person." - Will Badger has brought light back to Josh’s life. He’s Josh’s best friend, consistently and reliably by his side. Badger’s goofy personality makes him a perfect fit–Badger is on point when he should be, but extra silly on free time, making him more relate-able & perfectly Badger." - Josh The excellent training of a NEADS dog becomes the most valuable thing in a handler’s life. I know this whole experience has changed my life, and the lives of those I work with every day." – Christine and Courthouse Facility Dog Ann |
I spent over 11 years as an Air Force Active Duty Logistics Readiness Officer, deploying three times. My first deployment went well. My second deployment was supposed to be just as good, but it got really bad. Thankfully I made it out. And even though I was happy to be home, I was finding it hard to regain a sense of safety and security.With Sammie by my side, I am able to engage with others again. With Sammie by my side, I am traveling again and generally enjoying life. With Sammie by my side, I’m out there, and I’m participating in life again." -Jocelyn Nikki has been with me for about a year now. She has changed my life dramatically, and I can’t imagine it without her.My answer to other veterans and others who are wondering if they should apply for a Service Dog? “Do it!” After my injury, I waited two years before applying because I didn’t know if a Service Dog was right for me. I wish I had applied sooner." - Kayne Thekla was matched with Keely about a year and a half ago. Keely is Thekla’s best friend. She is loyal, she comforts when sad; shares joy; gives love unconditionally. Keely helps Thekla navigate socially when out and about. At home she is one of the family. Keely leads by example because she is so patient, easy going, kind, friendly. She is pure love and she’s taught us all how to love more. " - Nina, Thekla, and Keely When I first found out that NEADS had a Service Dog for me, I will admit that I got excited, but when I was told his name was Skipper, I knew as a Navy Veteran this match was meant to be. I no longer dread going shopping. I know if I drop my keys or wallet, my partner will be there to pick them up. I no longer have to figure how to maneuver my scooter to press the door access button and to get in before it closes, because Skipper is always ready with a paw to push the button. It has only been three months with Skipper, but I cannot imagine life without him. People often talk about the love between an owner and their pet, but the love between a Service Dog and their human is the greatest love one can imagine." - Mark and Skipper |
When I was injured in 2011, I briefly entertained the idea of having a dog. Now that I have Oliver, I wish I had gotten one sooner. As a quadriplegic, my dexterity and hand function are lacking, so I typically drop things quite a bit, and Oliver’s “Fetch” command gets used a ton. It’s been two years… and I’m so happy I chose to get a Service Dog. Oliver enriches my life every day with the work he does for me and his unconditional love." -Ryan DeRoche I first learned about the Hearing Ear Dog Program (now NEADS) in an article in the Disabled American Veterans magazine in 1982. In 2016, I was partnered with my fifth Hearing Dog, Masie, a Black Lab who has now assumed the “boss of my life” title from Fergie. People who can hear don’t know what it’s like to not have that sense to rely on. All five of my Hearing Dogs have allowed me to live independently. When not wearing my Cochlear Implant processors, I’m as deaf as a post, and Masie becomes my ears. NEADS provides people with the ability to live independently without having to rely upon other people; it’s a huge step for those who are hard of hearing, deaf, or otherwise disabled." - Chris Willis was on the stand with a 13-year-old girl who had to testify against her father’s abuse. She bonded with Willis and it made it easy for her to talk with the Prosecutor and me about the sexual allegations." -Patricia |