I was matched with 2 year old Somerset in March 2012. She has improved my life in so many ways. In addition to increasing my independence, she has made me feel more comfortable in public and less... more
ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities
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April 5, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
My dog Somerset "(Somer") and I have been together a little over a year. It has been a life-changing experience for me. In addition to being my friend and helper, Somer has helped me to make new friends and overcome shyness and depression. (I have been on antidepressants since the age of 16 but now take less medication. The dog helps me more than the medicine ever did.) I also feel that, thanks to ECAD, I have friends for life.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
October 23, 2012
I was matched with 2 year old Somerset in March 2012. She has improved my life in so many ways. In addition to increasing my independence, she has made me feel more comfortable in public and less anxious in social situations. I thank God every day for ECAD and bringing usd together.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 30, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Last August, I received a service dog from ECAD and he has changed my life! I have a neuromuscular disease and am confined to the use of an electric wheelchair to get around. I was desperate to maintain my independence, and not become dependent on my family or caregivers. My amazing Service Dog has made this possible. I no longer worry about getting around or being safe when he is with me. The ECAD organization empowered me and my Service Dog. Their dedication and expertise is a combination that makes this a very special organization.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 26, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
I volunteer with one of ECAD's dogs and visit patients, families and assist in many physical therapy groups in the hospital that I work for. The difference these dogs make in peoples lives is immeasurable. You cannot appreciate the value fully until you witness it first hand. Stroke patients are motivated to rehab, children with special needs open up as they never have before and provide an avenue for the therapist and parents to reach them. They bring a smile to every face the visit and for some patients that have been hospitalized for an extended period of time, it is an escape for just a short time and renews their hope and motivation to get better and go home to their pets. Thank you ECAD for all that you do.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 26, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
I am one of the founders of ECAD and 17 years ago I was looking for a career that I could be passionate about. I wanted to work with dogs, I wanted to help kids that do not get along in the typical schools, and I wanted to help people with limitations. With the help and dedication of my husband and children I was able to make it all work for us. 17 years later I am so proud of what ECAD has become. There is no way I could have done this without the help, loyalty, and commitment of ECAD's staff, volunteers, clients and supporters. I applaud them for helping make my dream a reality. I love all you guys and totally amazed by the work we are able to do as a group. All the reviews, praise, and a magical moments truly belongs to all that are involved with ECAD. This non profit belongs to the community and it is the community that makes it as good as it is. With much love and sincerity Lu Picard
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 25, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
The entire ECAD team is wonderful! From application to graduation everyone we met wore their heartsontheir sleeves and always had a hand ready to help in every way.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 25, 2012
I received Billy Spezzano this past summer and he has changed my life in so many ways, thanks to ECAD. During Team Training, everyone was so helpful in making sure that we worked well together. Lu is very understanding when it comes to the client's needs and has helped me so much, even after Team Training. I've looked at other Service Dog organizations but I felt that they made it more of a business than an actual place to help people, which is why I chose ECAD. I felt more at home when I was there.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 25, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Having Muscular Dystrophy, makes me dependent on a wheelchair and others for help constantly. A Service Dog would help me gain some independence back and would also take a little bit of weight off my family. After visiting a Service Dog facility in November of last year and in a way being scammed to give money without knowing if I could even be matched with a dog, I almost gave up on looking until I found ECAD online. In March of this year, I applied there for a Service Dog and got a response back the next day to plan an interview date. When I visited the Dobbs Ferry, NY facility in June, the staff made me feel extremely comfortable and were great about certain accommodations. I also got to meet some of the dogs and tour the facility. As of right now, I'm fundraising for a dog and will hopefully do Team Training sometime in the Fall of 2012. I'm very excited to be able to have a chance to go through this experience and I'm very glad that it's with ECAD.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Will hopefully be a Service Dog recipient next Fall.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wouldn't change anything but wish that more people were better educated on what Service Dogs are.
1 person found this review helpful
October 25, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
What a wonderful organization that does miraculous things!! ECAD has, time and time again, proven that we are all here to help each other, including the furry four-footed ones :) Lu Picard is compassionate, generous, and was blessed to be born with such a wonderful heart to help others. She has the most amazing patience and looks to do the right thing, all the time! As a handler of one of her dogs in a hospital-based setting, I see her warmth and gentleness in the eyes of Pumpkin; it is simply infectious! Through her efforts, I have single-handedly experienced the gift of canine assistance to our patients and employees. In addition, she has boosted my faith in the human and canine race, that we are all here for a reason, to be here for each other, no matter what "disabilities" we may possess!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 25, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Lu Picard is very passionate about her vision with the ECAD organization. I have worked with Lu for many years with the Nutro Company donating food for her dogs. Her organization is very professional and she genuinely carries about the recipients who receive the canines. I have been invited and attended many graduations, civilians and military personnel coming back from war. The true work she does brings tears to your eyes when they officially present the dogs to the people who need them to do the simplest of things in life. It is truly life changing for the recipients.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 24, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I am a retired combat us army soldier. i served a tour of duty in afghanistan in 2003. During my retirement, my case manager suggested a service dog to assist me with my various disabilities including mobility and ptsd. Lizzy and I graduated on the 27th of May, 2011. Since we became a service dog team, I am not afraid to go outside, a fear of unkown, unkown if I would fall or not. Lizzy is by my side making sure all goes smoothly for me. Thank you to ECAD's and Project Heal for all they do.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 24, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
My handicap daughter needed help with her everyday life and ECAD fulfilled that need with a smart, wonderful companion that far exceeded her needs. He is such a wonderful addition to her life and helps in so many ways, as well as fills her heart with joy. Everyone at ECAD is exceptional and my daughter loved everyone. They are professional, caring, and very knowledgeable in their field. Couldn't have a better experience.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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