My name is Kelly and I am 32 years old.
I have a seizure disorder and degenerative arthritis in my legs
which causes me to fall without warning and makes life very hard sometimes.

I have been debating on a service dog for years now due to my family
always worrying about me being alone with these conditions.

I rescued Freedom from going to the pound because the people who owned her were
moving and could not take her with them. My dream dog has been a German Shepherd
since I can remember and I just happened to see her online.
I did not even want to know her name or anything about her, I just wanted to go meet her
and see if there was a bond. We went and looked at her and I fell in love at first sight.
Then I found out her name was Freedom and thought it must be fate because that is exactly what
she would give me was "freedom" to be more independent. Still at that point I did not even
know if she would be trainable as a service dog.

I contacted Colorado Service Dogs and talked with Lija to get some information and was so pleased
with what I was told I wanted to start right away. With her not being a dog from Colorado Service Dogs
I understood I would have to meet the trainer and see how she felt about her joining the program.

I have never met such amazing wonderful women in my life!
I met Sharon and after her taking the time to explain everything to me and taking me to get what I would
need to get her started and I was so excited I could have cried. It has been one week and Freedom is doing
amazing already. With the tools I have been given she is learning so much faster than I ever thought possible.

I am keeping a journal of how she does in every situation and was even complimented by a cashier
at Walmart of how well behaved she was! That made me feel so proud and gave me so much hope
that I never thought I would have again.

She is by my side at all times and has a sense about me that is so unique you would have to see it to believe it.
Lija and Sharon are going to be giving me the tools to have a partner for life that can possibly save my life
and I am so thankful for that. Today I was able to go walk Trick or Treat street with my daughter which I have not
been able to do in years just knowing she was there with me.

Even though she is has just starting her training,
she is my guardian and I have faith that she will take care of me no matter what!

Send checks or certified funds to:
Colorado Service Dogs
3034 Quarterland Street
Strasburg, Colorado, 80136-7422

Please memo: "Kelly & Freedom"