Testimonials

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a letter of support for Support Dogs, Inc. to be accredited by Assistance Dogs International.

My experience with the application process and notification was excellent. Support Dogs does a thorough check on individuals applying for an assistance dog. I signed a release to do a background check, I provided references and doctors information concerning my disability. They even required a criminal check to see if I had ever been accused of child abuse or other crimes as I recall. This impressed me. The application was lengthy and once filled out and mailed I was contacted shortly afterwards that it had been received and was being processed, that I would hear from them in the following weeks as it was being considered.

I was ready to wait several months to a year to be screened, interviewed and matched with a dog then team trained. I was wrong. My process began about June of 2006 after contacting Support Dogs, Inc. I was screened, interviewed, [and] introduced to Andy my dog, we began team training by mid December 2006 and continued during January and mid February. We were certified as an ADA team by February 17, 2007.

The first two weeks of training was fairly constant, days, evenings and weekends. Andy was brought to my home a few evenings and weekends prior to this, and then I took some vacation time to dedicate to team training. At first, the trainer had to work around my employment schedule and health issues to schedule training. She was very understanding, and I know I can contact her at any time necessary for any follow up help. Andy and I have bonded by December 26, and he spent his first night with me and has been here ever since.

Andy was the sole survivor of a litter given to a golden retriever rescue group. I am a survivor of two chronic illnesses. We have survival in common.

Andy is a tall lab/golden mix. He is strong, alert, very intelligent and very good. He’s a handsome dog that attracts onlookers. Andy’s attentive to my commands and excellent with me in public and at the office. He receives compliments daily for his behavior. Andy was the exception to the rule for Support Dogs [ ‘ ] pedigreed, purebreds and I am glad they chose to make the exception. He’s my best friend. He is excellent with me.

Andy looks to serve me. If I drop a dime, an ink pen, keys, I have it back in my hand sometimes before I ask him to get it. He knows me well. He balances me when walking. He will fetch a small can of juice for me if I ask. He is with me when driving the inner city neighborhoods doing my field work which can include; getting out of my car to place a warning sticker on a derelict car, taking notes on a deteriorating property for referral to another city department, attending meetings, and doing speaking engagements.

I have been very happy with Support Dogs, Inc. I believe they handled my application, interview and training in a professional manner and made a great selection in a service dog for me. I am confident that Support Dogs, Inc. staff will be there when I need them. I truly believe that Support Dogs, Inc. will be an asset to Assistance Dogs International. I believe they are worthy of your accreditation.

Sincerely yours,

J. Dianne Rains

Hi Bill:

First of all I just want to say thank you. Ernie has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Let’s see the way I found out about you guy’s was after falling and breaking my arm (stuck on floor for a few days) my ex-wife heard about your program. So I called and got an application. After filling it out you guy’s call and then came over. You said it would be about 6 months before I would get a dog. Four months later you called and said you think you have the dog for me. The first time I met Ernie we just clicked.

Sometimes I think he can read my mind. I never knew an animal was capable of doing so many things to help. Everybody at Support Dogs is the best. They were willing to listen and figure out ways to do things that I just thought I would never get to do again. Everyone was professional and skilled at their job and it was a great pleasure to meet and work with them. They have always been there if I need something or just had a dumb question.

Support Dog’s is a wonderful organization. They give independence to people and do it with dignity. I still cannot believe I was lucky enough to have been given such a great gift as Ernie. He is the coolest dog around.

Your friend always,

Andy Militello & Ernie Militello

Dear Bill,

I am writing in response to the recommendation letter process for accreditation for Support Dogs, Inc.

I received Sammy in October 2003, and prior to that, I struggled with even the simplest of tasks. I couldn’t lean over to pick up a book without the fear that I was going to fall, and then not be able to get up safely, without anyone being at home with me. I was mesmerized with the idea that a dog could be that safety net for me. I applied thinking that I’d have several years to adjust to that idea, but after the interview, Sammy came to me after a month of dog boot camp.

Sammy is my savior. He’s a great conversation piece, my security blanket as I venture into my own apartment, and into the community, a doorman, my four legged clown, and best friend. He fits my every need and more, as every day he learns new and exciting tasks, I didn’t even think he could.

I love SDI. I actually cried on graduation day because they have become my family. Janice has been my rock, although hard on me at times to “talk to my dog” but I know she wants success, as does all of the staff. They are there when I need them, and even for the smallest of favors.

For all these reasons and more, I believe SDI should receive the accreditation it so greatly deserves. Here’s four paws saying yes!

Thanks,

Alison Chancellor

Dear Bill,

I am writing this letter in response to your request about Support Dogs Incorporated. I initially found out about Support Dogs through a friend. After receiving the information I contacted Support Dogs, Inc. to find out how to get a support dog. Your organization was very supportive giving me information on how to start the procedures and very responsive in sending out information and application. After complying with the requirements of Support Dogs, Inc. to receive a dog I was sent a letter letting me know I was accepted. Through the process Support Dogs, Inc. stayed in touch with me to let me know how things were progressing. Once I received notification of the date I was to start training with my dog I was very excited but nervous and happy the day had finally come. Because I lived so far away, Support Dogs, Inc. was happy to work out a schedule both I and my parents could work with so that I was able to complete the training with my dog BO. Once I started training with my dog, BO would get confused when I called him because his real name was Burt and with my speech problem it was hard for my dog to understand me and I was confusing him. So we decided to change his name to BO, and he was very responsive to the name. From the beginning BO and I became a team. Every time I came to train and he heard my voice he would get excited and come running to me when he was let out of his kennel. Support Dogs, Inc. was very supportive in all areas of training. BO was able to do everything I wanted him to do plus some. I was told that it would be hard for me to walk with BO with my crutches but we do quite well with that. BO will now even take cloths out of the dryer for me. I couldn’t ask for more support from any organization than Support Dogs, Inc. has done for my family and I. After I brought BO home, Support Dogs, Inc. called from time to time to see how things were going and any time I had a training problem I would count on Support Dogs, Inc. to assist me whether it be over the phone or in person. Support Dogs, Inc. is an outstanding program that I think should be an accredited program because of the ever ending support, dedication, and knowledge the staff has to offer for the training of support dogs for the people who want to live more independent lives. Without this type of organization I wouldn’t have the confidence to be out on my own. My support dog is not only there to support me, he also cheers me up when I’m down. He shows his love for me every day.

Yours truly,
Joe Brown & BO