Entrant Name
John Boucher

City
San Diego

Story
I am a veteran with ALS. Our good friend, Ellen, who works with Next Step Service Dogs as a trainer, suggested I get a dog to assist me. At that time I could walk with a walker, but could not bend down or get out of the chair by myself. Barney was trained to bring to me, objects that I could not reach or had dropped. He was also trained to brace himself so that I could lean on him while getting out of the chair. Barney is also trained to go get my wife if I need her and she is in another room. We have had Barney for about year now and I am now wheelchair bound. Barney has become very protective of me, not aggressively, but will put himself between me and whatever threat he sees and bark until he feels I am safe. We feel we are Barney's pack and are very grateful for this wonderful, gentle animal. He is a great addition to our family and we love him. Thank you Next Step Service Dogs!