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 and changed my life forever, something I never imagined and would never wish on anyone else.
I was left permanently disabled by this accident suffering from CRPS type I and type II in my upper and lower extremities. Despite numerous surgeries, devices installed/replaced over the years, PT , and countless procedures, there has been no relief from the constant pain and spread of CRPS. I also suffered a TBI affecting my memory and capacity to process information, which is frustrating as I’m not able to comprehend/communicate at the level I was prior to the MVA (I used to be a Network Engineer and an eloquent speaker when training or during Orientation for new hires/events).
It was determined that I would benefit from the assistance of a Service Dog for both my Mobility Impairments and Anxiety Disorders/PTSD. I began to looking into Breeders and Trainers in addition to learning the ADA Laws regarding Service Dogs and ensuring that I understood where I can and cannot go. Understanding the *need before breed, learning about the “Fab Four”, most importantly knowing that I was investing the next few years in training and knowing the costs involved as it’s literally the amount of a small new vehicle -something many people don’t understand and take for granted when they put a vest or “badge” on their untrained pet.
After searching for the program that best suited my circumstance in addition to being on a wait list, I was able to obtain my first service dog, Goose in late 2019 through Chelsea. Once his Board & Train program was completed, we began our Public Access and Task Training with Common Sense K9/Freedom Labradors.
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 during the time we lived in TX.
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.
My Trainer/Breeder (who had become a close friend and mentor) was able to provide me with Jarvis.
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 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 Comfort Dog Program in the South. I researched areas and traveled for almost a year to locations that I felt best suited what we were looking for. Countless searches, appointments, remote and in-person, 3 offers, 3 home inspections later we found a home that we thought was perfect, only to find out that the county changed their AG Zoning and we were 1 acre shy. Imagine our disappointment on top of exhaustion as I had searched, then moved while recovering 1 week post-op from a Cervical Fusion and 3 weeks post-op from an SI Joint-Fusion.
We found a temporary location to give our Southern Comfort Dogs the space they need to train and explore for the time being, but we are hopeful that we will find our permanent location soon!
We are also working on our obtaining our 501(c)(3) status as our Comfort Dog Program will be a NonProft Organization as our goal is to help others in the Community.
