“My initial Summit assessments showed me what a service dog partnership could look like, how much I had to learn, and that love at first sight isn’t just for humans. Full of hope, my arrival at Team Training eased any anxiety, as I realized Narnia’s trainer was there to help us succeed as a team. Under her patient guidance, my confidence in Narnia and my handling skills grew, though I wondered if Narnia’s budding trust in me would endure the flight home.

Forward six years, Narnia has shown me that trust is what allows us to give ourselves freely to each other. She’s eager to take on tasks too hard or risky for me, as she accompanies me everywhere. Though neither of us is perfect, together we make each other whole. Narnia has also given me a new purpose. We’ve embraced formal and casual opportunities to demonstrate her skills and talk about the many ways service dogs change lives. When I hear kids tell their families what they’ve learned from Narnia, the ripple effect amazes me.

I’m deeply grateful to every Summit donor, volunteer, and staff person for the fullness of life Narnia brings. Whatever your role, your gift of love connects us forever. ”

“When I was ready to enter into the unique relationship with a service dog again, Summit repeated the assessment process with me, so they understood how my needs were the same as before, or had changed. After a period of time, I got that magical phone call saying I’d been matched with Theo. My journey with this incredible being began.

One of the tasks I appreciate the most, is the task that seems the most fun to Theo. I need a medication at unpredictable times, day and night, and this meant waking my wife to get it. I hated doing that! Now, Theo wakes up on my cue, brings the pack with the medication in it and wags his tail through the entire process. I don’t have to feel badly that it’s 3:30 in the morning and worry that he won’t go back to sleep. He just jumps back onto the bed and I hear his soft snoring begin again.

With Theo in his special harness, even without adequate depth perception on my part, I can walk and negotiate stairs more safely. Without him, I use a walking stick, but it means so much to me to have Theo there, providing the special companionship and assistance as I go through my days.

I love Theo. Summit has again enhanced my life, and I feel so lucky to have this gentle being as my canine partner.”

“Before I was partnered with my service dog Jackson, life was a lot harder. I had to rely on my family to help me with physical tasks like picking items up from the ground, and I wanted greater independence. When Jackson and I met for the first time, we bonded immediately and became best friends. Not only has Jackson helped me gain the independence I desired, but he has also made my life a happier place. I know that I always have a friend there for me, and I’m always there for Jackson. Thank you Summit for raising such caring and loving dogs.

Melodie shares: As a mom, it was great to see how Jackson has been as an ice breaker for Taysen, especially when Taysen was younger. Sometimes children were afraid of him since he used a wheelchair, and they wouldn’t approach him. When Jackson was with us, everyone wanted to say hello to him and pet him, which led to conversations with Taysen. This allowed people to see that Taysen was a typical kid, who just used a wheelchair.”

“ Titus has enriched my life in so many ways. Not long after I was paired with Titus, I moved out of my parents’ house and into my own apartment. Having him always by my side gave me the confidence to live on my own and empowered me with greater independence.

When I drop things (except for chocolate), I no longer have to ask for help because Titus is always eager to pick things up for me. As a Retriever, it’s pretty much his favorite thing to do, and there is always praise or a tasty treat ready for him as payment for his service. Titus is so friendly and warm that his presence breaks down barriers, opening the door to much appreciated normalcy in a life overshadowed by awkwardness and disability. I am so incredibly grateful to have Titus and can’t imagine living without him. He is quite literally the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I have the great people at Summit to thank for that! ”

“My son, Jason, is an inmate at the Monroe Correctional Center. He called me the night he got his first dog, Baylor, to train. He was so excited, and Baylor soon became the number one conversation during our calls and visits. He really loved Baylor and bragged about what a great joy it was training him. I have sent him some articles about Baylor’s success with his new owner, and he told me how great it feels to be part of something so good. Jason told me that he and his fellow inmate trainers feel good doing something that will help others rather than hurt others. It’s their way of giving back. They all thank Summit for the opportunity to do what they do, and they really have pride in the program. I can’t tell you how much it has changed Jason, and as a mother, it feels so good to see him totally interested in something that does so much good. Thank you, Summit.”