I met Jemma last week. Jemma is an eight-week-old golden retriever. My friend trains service dogs for Helping Paws, an organization with a mission of
“Furthering people’s independence and quality of life through the use of Assistance Dogs.” One facet of the organization trains dogs for veterans.
It matches veterans with service dogs believing that the dog can significantly change the lives for the better for veterans with a variety of post traumatic stress symptoms. My friend took on this challenge for the first time a few years ago and her first assignment was Atticus, another golden retriever. She trained him tirelessly, with blood, sweat, and tears for two years. She fell in love with the puppy and two years later gave him up for the greater good, the new duo: veteran and dog who are now inseparable. Atticus is making life so much better for one young man. I am in awe of this ministry my friend pursues as she willingly takes on another challenge with Jemma. It will be another wonderful journey to watch unfold…watching this adorable puppy grow up to be a service dog.