Janice & Mysti
“I have been physically challenged and using a wheelchair since 1998. I have raised two sons who both served in the United States Marine Corps. I have lived alone for many years and always dreamed of having a service dog so it was a true blessing when I received Mysti! She first and foremost has replaced a void of loneliness in my heart. She is so loving, and we have not been apart since the day she became my “forever companion” on September 15, 2013. Mysti loves to work as much as she loves to play! She loves to get my keys and anything I drop and bring it to me. I feel safer knowing that if I fall Mysti has been trained to find and bring me my cell phone. Her trainer has made her extraordinary and I can’t picture my life without her!!”
Captain Danielle Greenlee and Bella
“My name is Danielle Greenlee. I am a wife, a mother to a beautiful 20-month-old boy, and I am a disabled veteran.
I was the little girl who never wanted to be a princess or a ballerina; I always wanted to be a soldier. I joined the Army right out of high school, but finished college before getting my first orders and station.
In 2001, my unit was sent to NYC to assist with the terrorist attacks on 9/11. We spent almost 3 months there. In 2002, I was deployed for the first time. Between then and 2007, I was deployed a total of 8 times to the Middle East. On my second deployment, I suffered a gunshot wound to my right leg. It was my final deployment that ended my career.
I was a member of an Army Airborne unit and during a routine jump I had a parachute malfunction. I landed properly, but at a speed of 27 miles per hour. My accident caused several issues with the lower portion of my body, including extreme chronic pain and paralytic neuropathy. It took me almost two years to learn how to walk again.
However, the physical issues I suffer are sometimes mild in comparison to the PTSD. It has taken me a very long time to go into public settings in general, let alone on my own. However, Bella is helping to change all of that.
Since Bella and I began training together, I have wandered through a Home Depot without my husband for the first time in 10 years. It may not sound like much, but for me that is huge.
I can’t explain the sense of security that Bella offers me. It’s something I haven’t felt in years, not even from being with my husband. I think the inherent trust an animal gives to a human is what makes the difference. I know, without a doubt, that Bella will let me know if someone or thing is near me; she will “guard” me when a loud noise is approaching; and she will always have my six (that’s Army lingo for back).”
Jodi and Rosarian Academy
“We look for degreed and certified staff members who bring enthusiasm and motivation to the school.” Although new-hire Jodi fits this description found on the “Employment Opportunities” section of Rosarian Academy’s website, she is not your typical employee. Jodi is a three-year-old Golden Retriever who recently joined Rosarian full-time.
Assisting the school’s principal, guidance counselor, resource specialist and various classroom teachers, Jodi works as a therapeutic partner to the students and faculty through her unconditional love, understanding, and acceptance. Her loving and gentle demeanor matches the culture of the school. Jodi seems to have a “sixth sense” and seeks out people who need a “doggie hug”— a perfect enhancement to an environment that fosters each student’s emotional and intellectual needs at every developmental stage.
After finishing her career as a show-dog and becoming an International Champion, Jodi was generously donated to Genesis Assistance Dogs to be trained as a facility dog. During her initial training Jodi visited nursing homes, children’s homes, schools and multiple public programs. It was during these outings that her career path became very apparent. Wherever there was a need for a hug, Jodi was right there being very quiet, patient and gentle; simply waiting for the person to make the first contact… she was the perfect facility dog.
Genesis Assistance Dogs Inc. transforms the lives of people with disabilities through the training and placement of highly skilled assistance and facility dogs for children and adults. After meeting Jodi and Jeffrey Eagle, Board President of Genesis Assistance Dogs, Inc., Principal Virginia Devine saw the great potential and benefits that a facility dog could bring to Rosarian Academy. In May 2013, Ms. Devine became Jodi’s full-time caretaker and brings Jodi to school with her every day. In just a few short weeks Jodi began making a positive impact in the lives of the students and faculty.
Founded in 1925, Rosarian Academy educates students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and offers an exceptionally strong academic program enriched by athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. The private, coeducational school is located on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach and is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. For more information, visit www.rosarian.org.
Maryanne Hedrick and Jac
My decision to pursue the avenues of acquiring a service dog agency came after a year of poor health issues. I fell during a routine transfer and fractured my femur. During that fall my wheelchair, with my telephone in the front pocket, rolled away from me. I was home alone; therefore, I needed to crawl across the floor with a severely broken leg to get my phone and call 911. The fall caused me a lack of confidence and fears of falling again. Genesis Assistance Dogs was referred to me by a neighbor. After meeting Jeff, Charlie and the other members of the Board, I knew I was in good hands.
I was paired with JAC, a brilliant and handsome black Labrador. Our personalities were a perfect match. I worked with Jac’s trainer one day a week for approximately four months, and he was trained to assist me by using specific commands. JAC’s companionship and assistance has given me the confidence back which I had lost. He can retrieve my phone when it falls; find my phone when it is misplaced; pick up my water bottles, keys and even my walkie-talkie at school when I drop it. His list of talents goes on and on. JAC goes to middle school every day with me and assists me in living an independent, confident, and fulfilling life.
Thank you Genesis for giving me big black JAC!
Maryanne
T-7 paraplegic
