Angelita was born with Arthrogryposis, a syndrome that affects the development of joints and muscles. She uses a power wheelchair and relies on Dozer throughout the day for everything from handing her bank transaction to the teller, to picking up items that Angelita drops. “I work and having Dozer with me means I don’t have to interrupt a co-worker when I need help. He also helps me get my coat and scarf off,” Angelita said. “He has made me much more independent.” Dozer also has the ability to sense when Angelita is going to have a spasm or have her legs stiffen. He is extremely attentive and lays down and puts his head on her feet to help minimize the spasm. He also has the uncanny ability to repeatedly sniff an area of Angelita’s skin and alert her care providers to a skin breakdown that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Angelita elaborates, “I’ve realized that I can never be without a service dog. Each one has a different personality and each one knows exactly what you need. They come into your life at exactly the right time,” Angelita said. “Every day, Dozer makes me laugh when I need a smile. Every day, he’s there to help me just when I need it. Every day, he’s my hero.”
Stories like this one remind us about the uncanny power of service dogs, and the unmatched help they provide to those in need. Thanks Dozer!
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