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A former shelter dog is helping a North Texas counselor regain independence while highlighting a statewide opportunity for Texans living with disabilities.
Service Dogs, Inc., a Dripping Springs based nonprofit organization, recently paired Elvis, a dog adopted from the Williamson County Animal Shelter, with Amy, a licensed professional counselor from Ennis.
Amy was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a child and has limited range of motion. After extensive training through SDI, Elvis now assists her with daily tasks including picking up dropped items, retrieving her dressing stick and opening and closing doors.
Those tasks may seem simple, but they allow Amy to maintain her independence and continue helping others through her counseling work.
"Elvis and Amy are exactly why we do this work," said Sheri Soltes, founder and chief executive officer of Service Dogs, Inc. "We turned Elvis from a stray into a star, helping Amy live her best life. We want to do the same for Texans across the state looking for that same kind of partner. We want them to apply."
The nonprofit has opened applications for Texas residents with disabilities who may benefit from a service dog. According to the organization, there is no cost to approved applicants for either the dog or the extensive training provided.
Founded 38 years ago, Service Dogs, Inc. rescues and trains shelter dogs to assist people with disabilities. Programs include mobility service dogs, hearing service dogs, psychiatric service dogs for people with post-traumatic stress disorder and facility dogs that serve first responders and courthouses.
The organization said all dogs and training are provided free of charge through donor support.
For information about eligibility requirements or to begin an application, visit www.servicedogs.org/apply.
More information about Service Dogs, Inc. is available at www.servicedogs.org.
