In 2015, (at 7 months pregnant with my youngest of 3) I was transporting dogs for a rescue from CT to Northern MA with my middle child in tow. Unfortunately, a distracted driver rear ended me.

I was left permanently disabled by this accident and suffer from CRPS type I and type II in my upper and lower extremities and despite numerous surgeries, devices installed/replaced over the years, PT , and countless procedures. I also suffered a TBI from this incident which has affected my memory and capacity to process information, which is frustrating as I’m not able to comprehend and communicate at the level I was prior to the MVA.

It was determined that I would benefit from the assistance of a Service Dog for both my Mobility Impairments and Anxiety Disorders.

After searching for the program that best suited my circumstance. After a long wait, I was able to obtain my first service dog, Goose in 2019. Once his Board and Train program was completed, we began our Public Access and Task Training with Common Sense K9.

Goose gave me the independence that I needed and changed my life in ways I can’t even begin to describe. Unfortunately, because of fraudulent Service Dogs being in Public Places where they should never have been, Goose was attacked, not once, but several times.

I knew what was best for Goose and opted to avoid further stress for both Goose and myself, I made the difficult decision to semi-retire him while I once again went on a waitlist for another Service Dog.

Once again, my trainer (who had become a close friend and mentor) was able to provide me with Jarvis is my current service dog-in-training.

It’s been a long journey, as many don’t truly understand the time and dedication (not to mention financial toll) this has been, but Jarvis has essentially become my “co-pilot” and given me back that independence needed. Just like Goose, Jarvis assists me with mobility related tasks along with helping to mitigate my Anxiety and Vestibular Disorders.

Because Goose enjoys working, I opted to give him a career change.

After much research and the opportunity to be mentored by our Breeder/Trainer we were given the honor to extend her program in the South.