In 1981, an Ohio woman by the name of Sandy Maze, who suffered from the effects of muscular dystrophy, had the idea the if she could train her German shepherd dog Stormy to perform tasks that were difficult, she could conserve energy and lead a more productive life. And, she did just that by starting Support Dogs for the Handicapped, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. Sandy and her mother thought it was such a wonderful concept that they began promoting Support Dogs for the Handicapped, Inc. across the country. In 1983, a St. Louis woman saw Sandy on television and began the St. Louis chapter. In 1985, the Columbus chapter was sold and the St. Louis chapter became, and still is, the headquarters.