Dogs are often celebrated as our greatest companions, but this September, we want to highlight a special group within our community: service dogs. These extraordinary animals go beyond being pets—they play a crucial role in helping their handlers achieve greater independence as an assistant & friend.
At Earth Animal, we’re committed to raising awareness about the essential contributions of service dogs and the significant difference they make in the lives of their handlers. This month, we’re thrilled to share the remarkable story of a service dog from our community: Meatball. His story, shared with us by his human, is a powerful testament to the bond and support between service dogs and their handlers.
Could you share your story?
I’ve needed the benefits of having a service dog since surviving the Sandy Hook Shooting on December 14, 2012. However, my life at that time was not in a healthy place for a dog. I visited with many therapy dogs throughout my schooling and I eventually found The Exceptional Sidekick.
How did Meatball come into your life?
I was jumping at the opportunity to be able to help raise and train over 20 service dogs, over the course of almost 5 years, in which my family and I learned not only the incredible benefits of having a service dog were for me, but how they, too, can be incorporated into our lifestyle! I was finally placed with Meatball, my own service dog, in November 2023, and since, I’ve graduated high school and am headed off to college this fall. Some very big things I thought I wouldn’t even be alive to accomplish.
Can you tell us about Meatball and the tasks he assists you with?
He is a two-year-old black Labrador who is trained to mitigate my PTSD, anxiety, depression and other disabilities with tasks that alert me to oncoming medical episodes as well as responding to them.
Did you have any concerns when initiating your relationship with Mr. Meatball?
He is a funny dog who always wants to “go, go, go”, and although the “normal” clientele of The Exceptional Sidekick prefers calm dogs that will help soothe their worries, I wanted a dog who would be ready and eager to learn new things all the time. I was placed with Mr. Meatball because he is just that, over the top, positive and smart. I love being able to work with him every day and I’m proud to say I have an exceptional sidekick by my side. I know he is there for me when I need him.
How has having a service dog improve your day to day life?
With Meatball by my side, I’m learning to see all the wonderful things this world has to offer. He makes me feel safe, letting me know when I’m starting to have a medical episode so I can properly prepare for it. He shows me to look for the little wins of each day and to appreciate all the world can offer, I am so incredibly thankful for The Exceptional Sidekick, and I will forever be in debt to them, as they have helped me though thick and thin.
Thank you for your incredible service, Meatball!
