Debbie and Sago

A Breathtaking Canine Success Story

Ten years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. A couple of years later I applied for a Mobility Assistance dog at New Horizons. I was amazed when they told me that there was a 3-year waiting list for a dog. Finally, one day, I got a call; they had a dog for me!  I was so excited I couldn't sleep.  The next step was to go to New Horizons for training. When I arrived I was shown three dogs, but I knew immediately that the very strong male dog named Sago was the best fit for me.

The training was very tough, sort of like dog boot camp. There are about 60 commands that you, as the dogs’ partner, must learn. After successfully completing training, I was sent home with Sago.

Sago has changed my entire life; before, I was in my scooter chair almost 85% of the time, now I can go for short walks with him. He retrieves things for me and holds my heavy bags. If I find myself on the floor and no one is around, I call for Sago, he braces like a statue and I can use his body to propel me off the floor. These were all things that I needed my husband or my son to do, but not any more, I am INDEPENDENT again!  Sago and I are partners in every way; he is my very personal friend, who loves me unconditionally as I do him. 

The world is a tough place for a disabled person and a service dog. People still don't understand what these dogs do, they always think that I am blind because of course, guide dogs are really the only dogs that people know.  Many times we go to places and people shout for us to leave, then I have to tell them that he is my service dog, even though he is always wearing his harness that says so. I then stand my ground in hopes that Sago and I forge new ground for future service dog teams. New Horizons is an amazing organization and I hope they can continue to bring independence back to many more people in the future.

To learn more about the New Horizons Service Dog Organization, please visit www.newhorizonservicedogs.org or call (386) 456-0408.