GJ and Syndi, who live in Portland, OR, were partnered in
2009. GJ has chronic osteoarthritis and a congenital birth
defect that left her with two foreshortened arms. As a result,
she needed a service dog to retrieve, open doors, carry items
in a backpack and alert someone for help. Syndi, a Golden
Retriever, also provides loving companionship. GJ likes
to take short trips with her husband, and Syndi is always
ready to go along, especially to the beach. Personal independence
is very important to GJ, and her bond with Syndi helps ensure
and support that need.
