Some background notes

I was matched with Jessie, the sweetest golden retriever ever, in 2007 as a junior in college. I had been a volunteer for ICAN for two years and Jessie had been one of the first dogs I had helped to train. Imagine my surprise when her first placement didn't work out and she became my service dog! We had two glorious years together as a service dog team. She helped me through a lot of struggle and uncertainty as I dealt with the effects of a progressive neurological condition. Unfortunately, her hips began to give her trouble and she was no longer able to keep up with my busy and hectic college lifestyle. It broke my heart, but I had to do what was best for my dog and so she went to live with my mom, her "grandma" in the country. She lives a very happy life, but I still miss her and the partnership we shared.

I continued training service dogs through ICAN and would have them a few weeks at a time. I was often asked if I was going to get another service dog, but my heart still belonged to Jessie. There were two dogs I seriously considered keeping as my successor dog, but the timing just wasn't right and so I let them go and watched them go on to their new lives.

I graduated and accepted a position at the University of Texas at Austin. One of the hardest parts about moving was leaving Jessie behind. I was also lonely and not used to being "single". When ICAN contacted me in December and asked if I would be interested in having Morey, I only hesitated a moment before saying yes! So, now I have two wonderful dogs in my life: Jessie, my retired service dog, and Morey, my new service dog. I love them both and am so glad they are both part of my life!