East Coast Assistance Dogs (ECAD) helped to provide me with the independence that I needed after being wounded and injured during the course of 17 years of military service, including two combat tours in Iraq. ECAD partnered me with Tuesday -- a highly-trained and loving golden retriever -- who helps me day and night. Over the past two years, Tuesday has enabled me to complete a graduate degree at Columbia University and continue on with my studies toward a PhD. Tuesday accompanies me everywhere: to the VA Hospital, around town and across the country. His faithful service and happy disposition is helping me to accomplish my goals and dreams. I am forever grateful to ECAD, Lu and Dale Picard and all the tremendous staff who continue to offer assistance and support -- but most of all, friendship.