The term unconditional love tells the story of the bond between a dog and human. Belle entered Maria’s life a short time ago. Maria is battling a cancer that has debilitated her motor functions and has created unprecedented anxiety and stressors. At their first meeting, when Belle entered our living room, she went over and laid her head on Maria’s leg.
Belle has filled our home with a new ambience of positive energy, laughter, and calm. To wake up to Belle is so different than before! Belle distracts us from negativity, and has given Maria new found eagerness to do more, now that Belle is accompanying her. We are beginning at-home training with Jeff Fritz, Putnam Service Dogs’ Head Trainer. Maria and I will learn how to work with Belle as a service dog for Maria, and I will learn how to be Belle’s handler.
In the evenings the TV goes on, and Belle finds her place in the living room by Maria’s feet, or in her husband’s arms. We go to sleep each night happy,
after Belle has given us a doggy kiss, and laid in her bed next to us. As our bond grows, the future is even brighter!
Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.
