Service Dog Stories

Tansy is my third service dog from Canine Companions. After losing my previous service dog, Klintworth, to kidney cancer, it took me a while to apply for a successor. He’d been by my side for ten years, then enjoyed two years of retirement.

During our two-week team training with CCI, I was matched with Tansy—already skilled in 40+ commands. From the moment we met, we were joined at the heart.

Tansy helps me dress and undress, do laundry, shop, pick up dropped items, and even towel off after a shower. I use a wheelchair (I’ve had 44 major surgeries and most of my spine is fused), so her help truly gives me independence with dignity. She also alerts when I need assistance—her bark has saved me more than once!

Service dogs don’t just help their handlers; they change families too. My husband and son no longer worry when I’m home or out alone. Klintworth and I once went to college together, earned a 4.0 GPA, and I served as president of Phi Theta Kappa.

It’s my hope that ADA laws will be strengthened to better regulate service dog training and reduce fraud. Tansy and I have already faced dangerous encounters with untrained dogs falsely labeled as "service animals."

My life has been forever changed because someone had the heart to "raise a puppy and change a life." In my case, they gave me my life back.

—Farmington, New Mexico

Kim N Tansy

I struggle with major depression, extreme anxiety and severe panic disorder which causes episodes of such tremendous severity that it was very difficult for me to leave my home and I was unable to go into a store to shop alone or drive more than 10 miles without suffering a severe panic attack.

With my own research, assistance from my doctors and a request for help, I reached out to Paws For Life to see if I could benefit from having a service dog that could alert to me prior to an attack and assist me in challenging situations. Nala, a German Shepherd puppy was placed with me just prior to 8 weeks old to to train to help give me the confidence and trust that I needed, with Nala I feel like I can do anything.

Donna & Nala

Callie was born with Williams Syndrome, a rare condition that brings many medical challenges and frequent trips to Egleston Children’s Hospital. During one hospital stay, a service dog climbed onto her bed and wouldn’t leave her side. For the first time in days, Callie was peaceful—her pain and fear seemed to melt away. From that moment, she dreamed of having a service dog of her own.

With ongoing therapies and medical expenses, we never thought that dream could come true. But when Callie needed open-heart surgery, her grandmother reached out to Make-A-Wish. A few days later, we received the call: Callie’s wish had been granted. When asked for her top three wishes, she
said the same thing every time—a golden doodle service dog.

Thanks to Make-A-Wish and Paws for Life Service Dog Training, Doodle Dandy came into our lives at eight weeks old. From the start, the bond between them was instant and unbreakable. Together they trained, learned, and grew side by side, and Callie’s wish story became one of the most-watched videos in Make-A-Wish history.

Doodle Dandy isn’t just Callie’s service dog—he’s family. He gives her confidence, safety, and comfort every single day. Their connection is pure love, and he’s proven time and again that he will always take care of her.

Callie & Doodle Dandy

My name is Monica, and my service dog's name is Sky. We’d only been together a week when we were denied entry to a restaurant. Despite explaining that Sky is a trained service animal, the staff and manager refused to let us in—and even threatened to call the police. Surrounded by supportive co-workers and customers, I chose to leave quietly rather than upset Sky.

The experience left me shaken and heartbroken. A few days later, I was turned away from a nail salon for the same reason. Each time, I "voted with my pocketbook" and never went back.

It's frustrating how many businesses still don't understand service animal laws. A service dog can only be refused if the animal is disruptive—not simply because they’re present. Sky is my mobility service dog; she helps me walk and get up when I fall. She gives me confidence, independence,
and unconditional love.

Today, nearly a year later, I’m stronger and more determined to stand up for our rights. Sky and I walk proudly together—partners in every sense of the word.

Monica & Sky