TEAM TESTIMONIALS

Jon & Valko

  • Valko helps with a lot of the needs I have. One of the biggest problems I had before Valko was always dropping the remote. There's no way I'm getting that; it's on the floor, but Valko picks it right up. Having Valko gives me so much independence. The only time I'm not with a human is because I have Valko.

    Valko is a gift Summit gave me, and he has given me a life that is far beyond where I was before. With Valko, so many doors have opened, and my life is so much easier. The best thing about Valko is that he is my companion. I'm not alone anymore."

    - Jon 

Jackie & Buddy

  • After contacting Summit and joining the waitlist, I had never felt more hopeful. Then the day came when I met my sweet boy, Buddy. The way Buddy has completely changed my life in just a few months is something I still can't wrap my head around. He is everything I wanted in a dog. He is so incredibly sweet, cuddly, and has one of the goofiest personalities I've ever seen.

    The safety and security he has brought into my life are worth more than I could ever say. He is my best friend, my best cuddle buddy, and the best service dog ever. He makes the scary days so much more manageable. His support has made me feel like a new person. I have gained so much independence with the best partner I could have ever dreamed of having by my side.

    Summit will always be in my heart as the organization that changed my life forever."

    - Jackie

Juliet & Teal

  • We're so grateful for this partnership. Juliet often describes Teal as "kind and gentle", which is exactly what she wanted in a service dog. 

    Thank you, Summit Assistance Dogs, for doing a wonderful job matching them together. Juliet and Teal are a great team!"

    - Karen (Juliet’s Mother)

Joe & Jamon

  • My favorite thing about Jamon is that he gives me purpose. He gives me something to do and focus on, and allows me to break away from the everyday routine of life. His routine becomes my routine, and every day he makes my life exciting and fun. 

    Because of Summit and my life with Jamon, I have a reason to get up every day. I want people to support Summit because the service dogs come at no charge to clients. Summit deserves to be supported for all the good work they do for people living with disabilities and for the work they do in the community.

    Because of Summit and Jamon, I have purpose every day of my life."

    - Joe

Karen & Narnia

  • Forward six years, Narnia has shown me that trust is what allows us to give ourselves freely to each other. She’s eager to take on tasks too hard or risky for me, as she accompanies me everywhere. Though neither of us is perfect, together we make each other whole. Narnia has also given me a new purpose. We've embraced formal and casual opportunities to demonstrate her skills and talk about the many ways service dogs change lives. When I hear kids tell their families what they've learned from Narnia, the ripple effect amazes me.

    I'm deeply grateful to every Summit donor, volunteer, and staff person for the fullness of life Narnia brings. Whatever your role, your gift of love connects us forever.”

    - Karen

Michelle & Theo

Michelle, white women, sits in chair smiling in front of brick wall. Theo, large black lab sits to Michelle's right side. Michelle has her hand on Theo's right side.

  • One of the tasks I appreciate the most, is the task that seems the most fun to Theo. I need a medication at unpredictable times, day and night, and this meant waking my wife to get it. I hated doing that! Now, Theo wakes up on my cue, brings the pack with the medication in it and wags his tail through the entire process. I don’t have to feel badly that it’s 3:30 in the morning and worry that he won’t go back to sleep. He just jumps back onto the bed and I hear his soft snoring begin again.

    With Theo in his special harness, even without adequate depth perception on my part, I can walk and negotiate stairs more safely. Without him, I use a walking stick, but it means so much to me to have Theo there, providing the special companionship and assistance as I go through my days.

    I love Theo. Summit has again enhanced my life, and I feel so lucky to have this gentle being as my canine partner.”

    -Michelle

Taysen & Jackson

Taysen sits outside in a large motorized wheelchair facing left. Jackson, brown lab, sits in front of Jackson. Human and dog shake each others hand.

  • Melodie shares: As a mom, it was great to see how Jackson has been as an ice breaker for Taysen, especially when Taysen was younger. Sometimes children were afraid of him since he used a wheelchair, and they wouldn’t approach him. When Jackson was with us, everyone wanted to say hello to him and pet him, which led to conversations with Taysen. This allowed people to see that Taysen was a typical kid, who just used a wheelchair.

    -Melodie (Taysen’s Mother)

Eric & Titus

Eric sits in a motorized wheelchair facing camera and smiling. Titus, golden retriever, sits to the right of Eric, facing camera.

  • When I drop things (except for chocolate), I no longer have to ask for help because Titus is always eager to pick things up for me. As a Retriever, it's pretty much his favorite thing to do, and there is always praise or a tasty treat ready for him as payment for his service. Titus is so friendly and warm that his presence breaks down barriers, opening the door to much appreciated normalcy in a life overshadowed by awkwardness and disability. I am so incredibly grateful to have Titus and can't imagine living without him. He is quite literally the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I have the great people at Summit to thank for that!”

    -Eric

Alex & Baylor

A young white man Alex, and chocolate labrador Baylor sit on grass together. They are facing the camera and resting their heads on each other.

  • Jason told me that he and his fellow inmate trainers feel good doing something that will help others rather than hurt others. It's their way of giving back. They all thank Summit for the opportunity to do what they do, and they really have pride in the program. I can't tell you how much it has changed Jason, and as a mother, it feels so good to see him totally interested in something that does so much good. Thank you, Summit.

    - Yvonne, Mother of Inmate

    Baylor was eventually paired with Alex (pictured left).