Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Inc

I have been paired with Edge, my Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog for 8 years and he has enabled me to live my life fully. Thanks to Edge my disability doesn’t control what I am able to do. Edge has helped me overcome many challenges and I am forever thankful for Guardian Angels for how dedicated they are to helping people in need, and for the hard work they put in giving outstanding training to each medical service dog they pair.

By donating and getting these dogs into veterans hands they help save and keep families together. It is incredible that the love and loyalty of a dog (along with their nose)can help heal and regulate an entire family’s dynamic. PTSD has a ripple effect in families that is not brought up enough. Not only are our veterans suffering, but so are their spouses and children. These dogs not only alert to the veterans medical needs but they also learn regulation tools that help them keep them present and families together.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs encompasses everything a non-profit should stand for. They help our community and our veterans and work on making the world better. I have personally seen the changes their dogs have made for recipients and can attest to their dedication towards the community.

I became acquainted with guardian angels through a friend at our church. I was asked if I could help embroidery the names on their vests that the dogs wear. I was more than happy to help them with this and I am now making the vests for all the dogs that are in training and out in the field. They have been a wonderful organization to work with and I hope we can be together for a very long time. Thank you for trusting in me and I will continue to always support you.

I am a Female Combat Veteran with a Traumatic Brain Injury, Severe P.T.S.D., and severe Depression. I also have a neurological disorder that affects my swallowing and my B.P. . My blood pressure will drop instantly and cause me to pass out. I was fortunate enough to be paired with my Super Service Dog Jadey. Since I have been paired with her I've only had a few incidents where I have passed out and gotten hurt because she alerts me EVERY TIME. If I don't listen, she will gently pinch me to let me know she's serious. I have been able to engage in my community ALOT more than I ever would have before. She is amazing. She can open doors, turn on lights, retrieve things I've dropped , help me up, help me to bed when I have an incident, and stays right beside me until it's over. One time I passed out next to my bed, and when I came to, she was flinging my arms up above my head and licking my face. She helped me into bed and laid by me until it was over. Not only did they help me get this AMAZING dog, but they check in with us to make sure the dog is keeping up with her training , the dog is healthy, and any other issues. They are amazing people who truly carry this in their hearts every day. And if Jadey is sick, they make sure she gets whatever she needs. I cannot say enough about this organization and I am truly grateful for this gift.

I was first introduced to this incredible charity in 2021. I was so moved by the work they are doing to save lives! In 2022 I had the honor of meeting several Veteran's that had received their dog and the stories from them pre-dog and post dog were just incredible!!! These wonderful dogs and organization have changed and saved their lives!!! For the past several years since 2021, I’ve had the honor of having a small part in raising money for dogs and the amount of joy knowing what a dog will do for someone makes my heart so full!!! . Keep up the amazing work you are all doing to saves lives!!

This is an honest-to-God helpful organization. All of the volunteers and workers love helping people. The dogs are cared for very well and raised with the right amount of training to be able to give their recipients obedient, loving guardians who can think for themselves and care for their individual in case of an emergency. The dogs are great and the recipients seem to love them. Giving to this organization is a very good use of my time and energy.

This is a wonderful organization with dedicated, caring people. The dogs are first priority and are trained to do amazing things. I support this group and the wonderful work that they do!
Mary Beth Bell
Chuck's Piggy Bank, Inc.

There is no better organization than Guardian Angels. I was paired with my service dog Spree a few years ago and what an amazing experience it has been. My life has changed for the better and I am forever grateful. The staff from top to bottom are amazing

I am very fortunate to have my Guardian Angel service dog Dennis, he has enabled me to regain a normal life

Guardian Angels paired me with the most beautiful solid black German Shepherd Medical Service Dog. I can't begin to tell how my whole world has changed for the better after receiving him. He is so helpful and has truly improved the quality of my life.
The staff at Guardian Angels was fantastic and went out of their way to ensure my needs were completely met and my medical service dog was well trained.
I can not over state how wonderful Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Inc is and the benefits they have provided to me, a combat veteran. I'm not sure I would be here today if it were not for this organization and the most loving Service Dog that has ever lived.
Thank you from a grateful veteran.

Hi,
I am dealing with MS. I have a lot of problems physically, but I was paired with a BEAUTIFUL, service dog. Jule. Guardian Angles has helped me, and I am still able to be on my feet, with the assistance of Jule. She has helped me with every part of my day. I am forever thankful! Thank you!

Guardian Angels has been a blessing to me. My service dog has eased my mind and has allowed me to feel I can go places again. Guardian Angels changed my life ♥️.

GUARDIAN ANGELS, ALL STAFF MEMBERS AND MY SERVICE DOG WINK 100% EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS THROUGH, DURING AND AFTER RECEIVING MY SERVICE DOG!
THANKS GUARDIAN ANGELS AND WINK TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My service dog ( JET) has changed my life. I am no longer afraid to go to sleep for fear of having my suger level crash and never waking up. Now with my amazing dog I get a full night of rest and full sleep instead of two or three hours if I was lucky
I don*t ever want to go back to my life before Gaurdian Angels and JET blessed me with thier help. .THey deserve TEN stars.

This organization is top notch! After pairing with my service dog, the organization stays in touch to help with issues and monitor my success with my new normal life with a medical service dog!! Cannot recommend enough!

Since Pilot has been with me, She has helped me tremendously. I no longer have nightmares. I feel calm and peaceful when she is around. I work part-time at the YMCA and I receive remarks daily about how well trained she is and how well she behaves. She is such a blessing to me

I have a service dog. They go far beyond anything I would have imagined.

Top notch organization, I'm a recipient of a Guardian Angels medical service dog Hudson and it has been a life changing experience. I'm a military veteran with disabilities and give credit to Guardian Angels for helping give my life new meaning and purpose.

My Name is Eric and I was paired with Harley. Harley has been such a huge part of my life in such a short period of time. We were paired for a reason and I can totally tell. Him and I have built such an amazing bond already that you would think we have known each other for years. He has been so attentive that he has given me the confidence to do the things I wouldn’t normally do. He keeps up with my busy work and school schedule and he has given me the confidence to get out of the house to keep up with his energy. I can not say enough great things about Guardian Angels. They truly went out of their way to make me feel comfortable throughout this entire process. They even ensured we would get the training we needed in the middle of a hurricane. They really went above and beyond to pair me with such an amazing dog. Thank you to everyone

My name is Cassandra and I was recently paired with Tuebor. He is already changing my life for the better! I am already gaining the confidence to leave my home and go places on my own. He alerts me beautifully and I do not know what I would do (or what I have ever done) without him. He helps prevent me from falling and does an amazing job "bracing" for me for added balance/stability. The staff at GAMSD has gone out of their way to make sure that he and I were/are working together as a team! Super nice people and they truly care. I cannot say enough about my experience. Thank you to everyone that made our pairing possible.

I was paired with my service dog from Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. (GAMSD) over 6 years ago and it has changed my life! I could go on and on about what a miracle these dogs are but I want to talk about the organization that tirelessly breeds, raises & trains them because this is an industry that has little to no regulation and not all organizations that provide service dogs are alike. I applied for a dog from this agency because they have a document and repeatable training program. This is important because it means that you can be assured you have a dog that is well trained in the largest variety of scenarios possible. They also support all of their handler/dog teams for the life of the dog. Their level of aftercare is unique. Not only can you get immediate help and answers to any questions that come up, you can also get expert follow up training assistance, in person if needed. A few years after receiving my dog I had to move out of state and learned they have a traveling trainer that can come to me to help resolve training issues that can’t be solved over the phone. All of this extra support is invaluable because it helps to take a lot of stress off handler/dog teams. New situations arise all the time, even for seasoned teams like my dog & I, but I feel confident we have the support we need to face any challenge.

I was the victim of violent crime and nearly killed. I survived but was left disabled. I suffered several serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury and was also diagnosed with PTSD. Afterwards, I developed so much fear I rarely left home and even worried about my safety at home. I had trouble sleeping, staying asleep and experienced a lot of nightmares. I had regular flashbacks, visions of my attacker outside my windows and feelings of him being present in my house. I changed as a person and when there wasn’t fear there was darkness. Thanks to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Kai and I were trained and paired as a Service Dog team. Kai has significantly mitigated my disabilities where I can function again and lead a more normal life. Kai is always at my side, always touching me to let me know he’s there and when he senses anxiety in public removes me from those spaces. He keeps me in the present by leaning against me, insisting on play time and persistently nudging me for attention. His insistence on attention has reduced my flashbacks, stops them when they occur and keeps me from reliving past events. When I have bad dreams or nightmares Kai will gently lick my hand, lick my face or even stand on my chest to wake me up. We cuddle every night before going to sleep and he is in bed kissing me first thing every morning. Even though life will never be the same and I feel like the person I was before my assault actually died that night, I also feel like Guardian Angels and Kai have given me hope and a new life to live. Kai is my everyday partner, makes me feel safe, makes me smile again and keeps me focused on the present instead of drifting back into the past and reliving my trauma. Guardian Angels has also been at my side from day one. They never forget about Kai or me. They check in regularly and provide ongoing support. Guardian Angels is not just a training organization. Recipients aren’t just individuals on their own. We are a family. We are all connected and support each other. I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for Guardian Angels and their caring staff. Every person at Guardian Angels genuinely cares about every recipient and their Service Dog.

My experience being paired with my Guardian Angels Medical Service dog has been the best in the world. My service dog, Edge has helped me every day for 6 years to live my life more fully. I can go places and participate in events that without him wouldn't have been possible for me. His training and desire to do his job every day is amazing.

Although I didn't have enough time to wait perhaps 5-7 years for a SD, I am so grateful for the PETS program which allowed me to bring my own dog in to train at a much cheaper rate. All I can say, I am proud to be a part of the Guardian Angel family. I wear the vest with pride and I would recommend GAMSD to anyone with a disability.

Guardian Angels gave me the best part of my life! My life changed 100% for the better after receiving my dog. I am able to do things I could not do before, and Guardian Angels has become like a family to me.

My name is Kathy Marshall, and. my helper and best friend is Jule! Jule and I have been to gather for just over 1 year, and I can't remember my life without her! Everyone I have worked with, and have helped me, through this process, has been wonderful to us both! Guardian Angels are just a fantastic organization, and I am so very thankful for my world again!!!

i was in the recent june dog pairing group, and was paired with Spangle , a sable colored , 64lb, female wonder dog . I am constantly learning from Spangle and she has already saved me from what could have been a bad fall, when i lost my balance, and she braced herself against me . I have parkinsons and diabetes and she is trained to heel on the side oposite the side i use my cane on , and to alert me to extremes in blood glucose levels. I find I am facing errands and shopping with more confidence. You should see her walk me up a flight of stairs. GAMSD in my opinion does an amazing job of training these dogs.

Literal life changers!!!! GAMSD are the BEST and the folks that help us are absolutely top notch!

After injuries in the military and my discharge.. I changed and I was scared to do things or go places on my own.. I also had physical limitations to, but yeah... My now battle buddy Tor... has helped me so much I know am not as scared to go places and do things that I like to do because I have him there and I know he will always have my back... thank GA I can never say how grateful I am... thank you ❤.

I have had 2 service dogs from Guardian Angels. Both dogs have out performed my expectations. The staff is incredible. They are always available for help and questions and never make you feel bothersome or ignorant. These dogs and this organization has saved my life.

I started working for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs about 9 months ago and it has been amazing to witness the change that medical service dogs make for their recipients. I love coming to work everyday knowing I'm helping such a worthy cause further its mission.

I am so grateful for Guardian Angels. My dad and his dog have an incredible bond! He laughs and plays with Whaler, and it’s so heartwarming to see. I haven’t seen him smile and laugh the way he does with Whaler in years. Thank you for everything!

Prior to being paired with my service dog Bull, my life is in a hard downward spiral. I suffer from PTSD, major panic attacks and anxiety attacks, horrific nightmares and night terrors, massive mood swings, prior suicide attempts and I avoided so many things that I used to enjoy in the past before go I went to Iraq. I basically closed myself off from the world. I hardly spoke to any family or friends. When I did go to the store it felt like I was stuffed in a shoe box. Any type of crowd I felt as if I was suffocating. Any type of traffic, I swore I was being followed or there were IED's lining the road or snipers on rooftops. In 2016, I was paired with Bull. That very first night, he shielded me from a guy who was begging for money to by drugs. Later that night, he woke me up a few times from the nightmares I was having. Throughout the almost 3 years with him, I am more comfortable going into stores and restaurants. I am gaining bits of my life back that I thought I would never see or do again. And to this day when I have nightmares he will wake me up, they snuggle close with his head on my chest. His breathing and knowing he is right there helps me relax. A couple of weeks ago, I had a major drop in my blood sugars, I knew something was very wrong, but Bull had started alerting to it 15 minutes before I had the issue. Biggest thing, he was never trained for that because I am not diabetic. He is a life saver. The whole group at Guardian Angels Medical Service dogs are life savers and life changers

I can not say enough about this amazing, life-saving organization. I met GAMSD a few years and over the years I saw the amazing things service dogs were doing to help my friends so I finally made the decision to apply. A year later, I found myself in Florida with my wife receiving my service dog, Bolt.

Before having Bolt, I wasn't really able to do some things that many people take for credit like going to the grocery store by myself without having some level of an anxiety attack. Before Bolt, I couldn't sit somewhere unless I could see every door and have a plan for my exit. Before Bolt, I had some dark thoughts and if you would have asked me then if I was going to see my 40th birthday I would have had said probably not.

With Bolt, I'm able to go out. My wife can send me too the store and know I'll be okay. I can sit comfortably whenever I go and I'm making plans to celebrate my 40th birthday at camp in a few months. This is the power of these dogs. Everyone is familiar with some of the larger names within the veteran support arena of non-profits and while they do some great things, I've been hard pressed to find an organization like GAMSD with such a caring, educated and passionate staff like those that work for GAMSD.

Guardian Angels has become a family to me. From my first phone call to them and even now, I know that I can reach out for assistance and they will come through. This organization has given my life new meaning and I do not know if I would be here today without Whinney. She gives me reason and purpose in life.

My experiance with GAMSD has been nothing short of miraculous. From the jntial training, to interaction pre and post pairing with Brooks. Who by the way is amazing. She has been all I ever hoped and then Some. She is exceptionally well behaved and trained so well. She is my best friend and has changed my life. Every time i am out somewhere i get comments on how well behaved she is. In short she is my shining light, and i have so much praise for GAMSD.

I have applied and pyt in paperwork for this company 3+ years ago! I have consistently called them and sent emails and the excuses are still going! I put all my trust into this company and they failed! I believe them and thought this was the normal process in getting a service dog! This has prompted me to look elsewhere and start all over again. I was forced to say something so that no other veterans have to go through this long wait to get the help they need. The person that I delt with during most of this long process was Debbie.

I have only been with my Nina for a year now. During that time we have had our ups and downs, and through it all Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has assisted with follow up training both at our house and the farm.
Follow up phone calls and concern for our joint success.
Nina and I have succeeded and grown together , by the network of trainers, office staff, volunteers, foster families and fellow recipients. We are better than before and stronger today than yesterday.
I've learned I must trust my dog as much as I trust my new family , my new Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog family.
Jim and Nina

They work very hard to provide people with disabilities a proven management tool to make our lives easier. My dog lets me know when my PTSD is kicking in and to use the dog to help manage my symptoms.

I have been paired with my service dog for 3 years now. Through the 3 years the staff at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has helped with follow up training, and currently we are in ghe process of new training for new medical conditions. We have never been charged for anything related to the Service dog training.
This organization really cares for peopke with Disabilities and it shows.

I cannot say enough about GAMSD. They paired me with my Super Service Dog Angel on January 24th 2019. She has already changed my life in just this short time. The experience I had with GAMSD has been absolutely amazing. They truly are the best at what they do, and they are worth the wait it sometimes takes to be paired with a dog. So glad I found them! I dont know what I would've done without them! Thank you GAMSD. Thank you so much.

I was a First Responder during the OKC Bombing on 04/19/1995. I have suffered a traumatic brain injury and Epilepsy that has been difficult to control. Guardian Angels paired me with a very special Seizure Alert and Response Animal last month. He has already been alerting me and has prevented multiple falls for me. Although we are still in our honeymoon period- he has already enriched my life and made my world a safer place.
The trainers and office staff showed such patience and empathy- thank you seems inadequate. My family and I will be forever grateful.
Gina and Rhino the “Apache” Warrior

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. truly unleashes the power to heal! As an employee at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. I get to witness first hand all the hard work that goes into each and every one of of these dogs. As a participant in the fostering program, I also get to experience how much patience, dedication and time it takes to train one service dog. Fostering a service dog was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had here at GAMSD and I look forward to doing it again in the future!

Hi,

I work for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and I can say first hand that this company walks the walk when it comes to giving everything they have to serve those with disabilities and it doesn't stop with just our recipients either. I myself suffered Traumatic Brain Injury in a car accident approx 3 years ago and Guardian Angels gave me a shot at having as normal of a life as possible by hiring me. They have been amazing!! And it has been amazing for my recovery and my family. They know I have certain limitations and most importantly work around them with me to help me succeed. When Guardian Angels say they care about helping people with disabilities, they mean it and they prove it on daily basis. I am but one example of this among the many and I look forward to giving that same gift back to others and I am proud and grateful to be able to do that alongside such a heartfelt and honest company like Guardian Angels.

Thank you ,

Chris

On Monday 19, February 2018 we got Rhino. He will be the 20th dog that we will work with as foster trainers. Our volunteer "job" is to take a trained dog, usually around a year old, that has very little exposure to dealing with everyday life and take them everyplace you go, shopping, movies, doctors, etc. Let the dog meet people and experience so they will be ready when paired and not require their partner to deal with some of the surprises of life that can be upsetting for a dog.
One constant refrain we hear is how well behaved and gentle they are. To me a significant difference is that they do all the training keeping it consistent. We as fosters attend a weekly meeting to keep these skills, report progress, and advise of any difficulties that may arise. And yes, they have their own personalities.
We continue to do this and enjoy seeing updates on Facebook, webpage, and their newsletters. If you've ever wondered if you make a difference for others this leaves no doubt.

I wish I could convey all that is good about this organization in one post. I can't. It is such an honor to be a part of the Board of Directors for such a trust-worthy and progressive organization. People who are in need of a medical service dog need not worry about paying for one of these specially-trained dogs. They may have to wait awhile, but they are never charged a fee for their dog. True, mostly Veterans and First Responders are on the waiting list because most of the donations received are earmarked for helping them, but that doesn't mean that civilians aren't also helped.

Complaints are few, but when they are received, they are treated with the utmost respect and transparency. It would not do any good for us to engage in a back-and-forth repartee. Instead, we do our own internal investigation and if a grain of truth can be found anywhere in the complaint, we resolve to make any change needed to do better. That is a duty we have to our sponsors, to hold ourselves accountable for those things we could be doing better. Honesty and openness are rooted deeply in our philosophy and the people we have employed are hard-working and professional.

So much has happened in just this past year to make it clear that we are doing what we should be doing in a most responsible and cost-effective way. So many people have been helped and so many more are awaiting the help that we can give. There is no better place for me to be spending may volunteer hours at than the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc.

Life has changed so much and has become livable again. All because of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and their donors. The compassion they have for the recipients can not be compared to any other Non-Profit Service Dog agency that I have tried to deal with. Their love for Veterans and EMS workers hands above the rest. So I thank you all for helping me get my life to a "new" normalcy. Thanks

We love the fabulous team and trainers at GAMSD. They have changed our life and even become part of our family! Our dog Maci has helped stablize my husband in a way that medication never could. He is able to do so much more than before because of what a wonderful helper she is. We get compliments on her behavior everywhere we go, even when other dogs in public act up she is a perfect assistant who always keeps her focus on him. I don't know where we would be without her and the incredible training she has had. Their program is second to none and we recommend them to anyone we know who truly needs a service dog. I was nervous taking on this journey as a family but Maci fits with us as if she was always meant to be part of our family and that's thanks to Carol's team of trainers. They have been wonderful at assisting us even after we brought her home as well.

Chloe and I was paired a year ago, This organization has stood by our side the last 365 days! What a change in my life it has been! Carol and Cody are the best in the business!!

I truly believe that Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs saved my daughter's life by pairing her with a wonderful service dog who is always by her side. With multiple medical issues, and after 7 years of therapy and medications, my child had lost hope. She was unable to go anywhere independently and panic attacks were the norm. One year later, the difference is miraculous. She was able to socialize at the weekly training sessions in Williston, and she's progressed to being able to drive around town with her dog and do the things that so many of us take for granted. I've seen so many people have a second chance at life with the help of GAMSD. Carol and the staff are always eager to help and encourage. Honestly can't describe how a well-trained and loving service dog can be all the difference in someone's life. I can't thank GAMSD enough.

I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Guardian Angels. Words cannot express my gratitude.

My loved one's super GAMSD service dog has been a blessing since she became part of our family awhile ago.

And, our family became part of the GAMSD family.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a great 501(c)(3) non-profit that performs a labor of love in their dedicated training of service dogs for veterans and people with disabilities.

Best organization, best people, unreal results. Guardian Angels makes the impossible possible, and teaches those of us who forgot how to live in peace, find our zen again. Nowhere else do you have the chance to save someone's life so directly, then shake that persons hand. I know this to be true because they saved mine.

I researched several Medical Service Dogs (MSD) before applying with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. I was immediately impressed with the level of personal care I received to all of my questions during the process, and the world class level of documented, repeatable training this agency's MSD's receive, especially when compared to others. I was pared with MSD over a year and a half ago. I can't praise GAMSD enough for the after pairing care they give their clients. They deeply care that the pairing is the right fit for both client & MSD, and always give immediate response & help with any questions or situations that I have had. They make you feel a part of the GAMSD family, not just a client. I recommend them highly every time I am asked about them while in public with my dog, and have received compliments on how well my MSD is trained v. other MSD's the person has had visit their establishments. Having a MSD from GAMSD has improved my quality of life in so many ways. I am confident that not only do I have an amazing teammate in my MSD but with the entire GAMSD team!

I received my medical service dog, Twinkle, from Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. over 6 years ago. In my opinion, this organization provides outstanding training for their digs and recipients. Even six years later, their customer service and follow up is top notch. They do everything they can to help with training, medical and behavior questions. I can't say enough wonderful things about them.

In May of 2013 my loving husband Bill became a man I didn't know. He was angry and hateful and I struggled to figure out what had caused this sudden change. You see, we had a perfect marriage. Oh I know a lot of people say that, but we truly did. We had waited 21 years to be together again and we loved each other immensely.
In August of 2013 Bill was diagnosed with PTSD. It was a horrible blow. Two tours in Vietnam as a Pararescue and 35 years in law enforcement and it all came crashing in. He was placed on medication and sent to therapy but it did little to help. He was a broken man, experiencing terrible depression, horrific night terrors, and a lost interest in life.
I spent many nights awake watching over him so he could try to get some sleep. The nightmares were relentless. The demons came out to play in his mind at night. He withdrew from everything and everyone he loved. I feared I was losing the man I loved. I feared he would never again enjoy life.
In the fall of 2014 Bill began researching Service Dogs for people suffering with PTSD. The results were not promising. Few agencies even dealt with dogs for PTSD, and those who did wanted more money than we could come up with. He finally found an agency in North Dakota where he could get a dog and he began the process of filling out endless papers and sending them in. We went through highs and lows as we waited for an answer. Then the call came that he had not been accepted into their program. Again the bottom fell out.
Determined, he returned to the internet and found an agency called Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The best part, they had a Michigan division. So he called the number and left a message and waited for someone to call him back. That night he received a call from Jolanthe Bassett, his new guardian angel. She listened to his story and told him that she could help him. And help him she did. She put him in touch with the Florida office and we began our journey to get him a dog. In July 2015 we met with Jolanthe and the founder of GAMSD, Carol Borden. They spent time over lunch listening to Bill's story, getting to know him and his needs. We parted company with the hope that Bill would soon have his dog.
On October 9, 2015, while we were celebrating at the rehearsal for our daughters wedding, he got a call from Jolanthe. Bill had been picked to receive his dog.
So on November 1 we set out for Florida. On November 5 he was paired with his Super Service Dog, Fancy. It was hardly love at first sight but it was a partnership worth working on. But Bill still had doubts about having a dog. He spent the first night trying to get to know Fancy and get to know his new life. The next morning Bill told me that he was taking Fancy back and we were going home. He just couldn't wrap his head around life with the dog. But I told him this life change was no longer about him. It was about us. It was about our life together. It was about our future.
I'm proud to say that he finished his training with Fancy. And on November 5, 2016 he celebrates his one year anniversary with Fancy. And what a tremendous year it had been. A year of firsts: trips to the mall, trips to the grocery store, even hockey games for the first time in years. Bill had finally found a life outside of our home. We celebrated our 13 year anniversary with Fancy by our side. We held hands, we planned our future. We had our life back.
To say that Guardian Angels saved my husband is not an exaggeration. Carol Borden, Jolanthe Bassett, and all the angels in Florida gave Bill his life back. Thank you is just not enough to express how I feel. I love them all from the bottom of my heart. They are my heroes. They gave me my husband back. They gave him a new life. They gave him a four legged angel named Fancy. They are Angels on earth.

GAMSD have paired me with an awesome furry friend and I couldn't be more satisfied and happy! From start to finish everything was awesome from the entire staff to my new friend for life! The wait was well worth it! The entire staff was very friendly and knowledgeable with everything and has even answered my questions every day since I have left there with my furry friend. The care and patience with their training is evident and since I have returned home I have received nothing but compliments on how well trained my furry friend is and how they conduct themselves in distracting areas. If I could give more stars I would!

GAMSD are the best!!!
I received Sirius from Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs on April 28 2016. My life is nothing like it was before that day. My word consisted of work, home ,grocery store and Lowes. Now I am out and about a lot more. I am able to go to more stores, and lots of different restaurants. I don't fear meeting people anymore and am able to control my anger.
Thank you Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs for giving me my life back

As a volunteer/fundraiser for many years, I've been involved with a number of organizations. To date, one of the most impressive is Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. Without a doubt, the relationship between a service dog and a Veteran is one of the most special you'll ever find. It is heartbreaking to see how many of our Veterans suffer after returning home from service to their country. But their lives change dramatically with a Guardian Angels dog by their side. Helping raise funds to provide these dogs to our Veterans is one of the most rewarding opportunities I've ever had.

It is an honor and privilege to be a volunteer for such an amazing organization. In the two years, I have been volunteering I see first hand how GAMSD is helping our Veterans live a better a new normal. Once paired with a medical service dog, Veterans who previously had shut out the outside world and lost hope are now enjoying life again. Becoming the spouse, the parent , and community member they wanted to be but were afraid to step out. GAMSD has given them their lives back and I couldn't be prouder to play a small part. I am grateful to all who support our work.

In the nearly three years I've worked with this organization, I've never seen a more dedicated group of individuals committed to doing everything in their power to make a difference in the life of someone struggling with a disability. Does being paired with a medical service dog require patience? The answer is "Yes". But the results are life-changing, and life-saving. I could not be prouder than to be a part of this organization, and all it accomplishes.

I was LIED to by these people. They told me it would only be a couple of months to get a new dog since I already had one who died of old age and I would fly thru the training process since Ive already gone thru it before. I called them today after waiting 3 months only to be told I have to wait a couple of YEARS on a list. They got my 25$ application fee and that is all they will get from me besides bad reviews for out right lying to me.

Can someone please tell me how long you were on the waiting list before receiving your service dog? I've been on the list for about 5 months now...I don't want to get my hopes up if this is going to be years of waiting.

One of the directors, Ann Larkins , informed me she thought my dog who came from the pound was a trained service dog We rescued him AGAIN as the new owner was being abusive. He is a pure rat terror She put me in contact with Guardian Angels He WAS all trained, I was not They taught me all the commands and he is a wonderful sweet dog. I am disabled and use a walker or wheelchair, recently developed RA in m y hands I don't know what I would do without the dog and the help of Guardian Angels. My doctor says he is perfect and what I needed to get through my rough days. Ruth Parker

I'm a Veteran of combat in Afghanistan.
After coming home, burying my problems deep and learning to mask my symptoms of PTSD even excelling for a number of years, including college. The effects took their toll and I began to self destruct. Depression, substance abuse, dangerous behavior- Looking back, I was basically trying to destroy everything good in my life.
I had read about GAMSD's and decided to apply because the VA was having one of their many on-again, off-again, service dog trial studies. Fast forward 3.5 years. The VA had terminated the program and although it was their responsibility to inform me of its cancelation, they never did. One day my wife called and talked to GAMSD's Director Carol Borden and asked her where I was on the waiting list. Carol was furious and abhorred this had happen, and made me a promise. Give her 6 months, and travel down to Florida, she would get me a dog.
I was pretty much at the end of my rope when I arrived at their facility. I was respectful for this opportunity but was HIGHLY skeptical of this whole "service dog" thing. Then I met Blitz. Blitz was a four year, old almost all black, female german shepherd from the Czech Republic. From day one she followed every command to the letter. From the first night together at a local hotel, Blitz was waking me up from nightmares.
In the 3 years since my situation has changed dramatically. I was able to go outside with an extremely relieved level of hyper-vigilance, for the first time since leaving the Army. I slowly began to make progress. With Blitz around I could hang out with friends again. I re-kindled friendships I'd destroyed. I made real progress in therapy. I was beginning to think to see that I had a future still to live. I've taken Blitz on trains, aircraft, the NYC subway system at rush hour where it was so packed we couldn't even see each other. She has never failed to be anything but perfect.
I owe so much to GAMSD, to Carol Borden for making me a promise and keeping her word.
I can not speak more highly of this organization and all the members of it. I owe them my life.

I'm a former Marine . Vietnam era . I was injuried in the Corps . It seems that I was always falling between the cracks ! It was recommended that a medical
service dog would probably be beneficial ? I wasn't ready and didn't have the money . The VA kept prompting me . I was tired , heard it might take three years from most schools ! I wasn't about to go through anymore VA hassles !
Then I ran accross a pup ! Very sweet . I call her Peaches . I started reading and begining her basic training , but I knew this wasn't going to be enough . So next , I had to seek out a school . I looked for the best , didn't know about any cost , just the best !
Then I made contact . The cost was just hard work . Just come to class , a free scholarship , but not only for me ! Any Vet or civilian that had a genuine need was welcomed .The environment was open and relaxed . A Place for the handler to learn and the dog to be properly trained . Peaches and I finally completed what turned out to be one of the best Medical service dog Schools in the Nation . Peaches and I both got lucky this time .

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is one of the most incredible organizations that I have ever worked with. I worked in the role of administrative coordinator. Spending time with recipients and volunteers I got to be involved in all aspects of this organization. To see a persons life change before your eyes is one of the most awe inspiring thing you can witness.
Working with GAMSD has also helped me realize my own problems that I am facing. Interacting with people with anxiety disorders and who experienced great loss brought to the surface the a lot of issues I was suppressing. I lost my sister 1year and a half ago. I was in my final semester of grad school of educational leadership. When I lost her my world changed and I essentially ran away. I finished school but decided I didn't want a career that had anything to do with what I had just worked so hard to accomplish. I took a series of odds and ends jobs and had a constant fear of staying in one place to long.
And then there I was unemployed and unsure of where to go. That is when I found GAMSD. Carol hired me to do this role and help people. I love helping people. But this role really made me start to think about what it is that I was trying to do with my life, where I want to be, what field I wanted to work in. My thoughts always came back to education. So that is what I am doing. I am heading back to school to start my P.hd. Most importantly I am finally starting to heal. I am starting to recover from the loss that I was ignoring.
I owe this to Guardian Angels. The property in Williston is like magic. It allows for broken hearts to mend. I am grateful for GAMSD and although I am leaving my position, I will continue to be a friend of this organization help move it forward to change more lives.

My father is a recipient of a medical service dog from Guardian Angles. It is amazing the change it has made in his life. Sleeping through the night is very helpful for maintaining a healthy life. His dog keeps him calm and focused. Thank you.

Because of the wonderful changes I have seen these dogs do with their recipient, I decided to make this my charity of choice and volunteer as much time as possible to this worthy organization.

I can't thank Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs enough for changing my husband's life as well as mine. My husband was paired with a dog from GAMSD nearly four years ago and since that time his world has broadened! He is able to go out to crowded stores and to restaurants whereas before he just couldn't . He tells everyone he meets how great Guardian Angels is and how his dog has improved his life. He has referred others to Guardian Angels so they may be paired with a service dog and have the help he has received. I have been volunteering with GAMSD as a way to thank them. Over the years of being involved I have become President.

I've been volunteering with Guardian Angels for 8 months and can't begin to describe what an amazing organization it is. Staff and volunteers alike are sincerely compassionate and understanding. The Williston facility simply feels like home and the effort put into ensuring that our Veterans are able to receive a service dog at no charge is humbling. A frequent comment is, "Guardian Angels was the only one that returned my call."

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Inc is a godsend! I am a disabled combat veteran whom has been dealing with disabilities that have overtaken my life and I could not see my health getting any better. When I contacted a representative with GAMSD I could immediately sense the passion and care that she had for helping people like me. From the application process to receiving the dog I was thoroughly informed of every step of the way. They also went out of their way to make me feel more comfortable about traveling to Florida which was out of my comfort zone.
When I arrived there, I was greeted by Carol and she made me and my family feel warmly welcomed, which was a huge relief for me. Their facility is so peaceful and calming it actually felt like home, making it really easy to focus on my training with the dog. The time I spent there was amazing and everyone I met was so nice, courteous, and knowledgeable. I couldn't thank Guardian Angels enough for what they have done for me and my family, I've been paired with Trooper, my service dog, for about a month and things are going so well and getting better everyday. I owe them so much; they truly are a real life saver. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

I have volunteered with this amazing organization for six years. This organization is life changing for our disabled friends and neighbors. Everyone works hard day and night to assure our dogs are healthy and very well trained so that our disabled can have a new, freer life. Gerry Petrone

This organization is a life saver. Their staff is knowledgeable, dedicated, and compassionate about what they do. The dogs are very well cared for and highly trained with specific skill sets to aid people with a variety of disabilities. My husband was injured overseas after his vehicle struck an IED. He was recently paired with a service dog from Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and was noticeably starting to feel better within a few short days. For so long, he felt unsafe to leave home and was unable to go anywhere without having severe panic attacks. The dog helps redirect his focus and provides a sense of security; he is finally comfortable enough and eager to start enjoying life again. Beyond the PTSD, he has mobility issues due to fractured vertebrae and a torn meniscus. The dog is able to pick things up for him if he drops them, reducing strain on his back.
We're still new and have plenty to learn, but with any questions or concerns that arise, we are able to turn to the trainers at GAMSD and receive answers promptly. We are so grateful for this organization!

I am a board member only because my husbands dod was trained as a service dog by Guardisn Angel medical service dogs. Before my husband had his service dog he stayed home, never going anywhere except to VA doctor appointments. However since getting service dog he has traveled to alaska, western united states, and again is in Alaska. His dog has done wonders. Without Guardian Angel Medical service Dogs his life would not have changed for the better. Thank you.

Hi my name's Tracey. I applied to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs for my daughter, Emily. She is a 3 time cancer survivor who developed a seizure condition while in 11th grade.
After all she'd survived, after all the medical trauma she endured, she was finally making plans for her future and dreamed of being a fashion designer. She was learning to drive, researching collages, making wonderful friends and had grown into a beautiful young woman. At the age of 14 she began having mysterious "episodes". These episodes escalated into full-blown seizures. Unable to diagnose the cause, the doctors told us they were "pseudo-seizures" - that Emily's early childhood trauma was causing her to subconsciously manifest stress in the form of absence-type seizures. Given this diagnosis, Emily's self-esteem and confidence plummeted. The seizures became so frequent that she was unable to go to school. She quit learning to drive - claiming she'd never get behind the wheel again. She not only stopped seeing her friends, but she entirely quit any type of social activity outside the house. The anti-seizure medication altered her personality and made her excessively tired, withdrawn and caused child-like, regressive behavior. Emily abandoned any thought of collage, or her future in fashion design. As her seizures escalated to 5 to 15 per day, she would never let me out of her sight. She was even afraid to be alone in her own bedroom. I would wake in the morning to find her asleep on the floor next to my bed. I could no longer run small errands such as the bank, the grocery store, the occasional hair dresser. Emily was terrified of having a seizure in public, so she would not accompany me anywhere, nor could she be left alone.

As a wife, busy mom of two other daughters and administrator of our own charitable organization, my life was hectic and full. Everything else stopped as caring for Emily became a 24/7 job for me. We finally found a neurologist who was able to diagnose Emily's condition: Epilepsy caused by the radiation from her former cancer treatment. We now had a diagnosis and treatment plan. The new doctor slowly began introducing Emily to different medications and her seizures responded. By the time her new therapy treatments were fully implemented, Emily was down to an average of 4 seizures per week. Markedly better; enough that she could slowly start resuming some normal activities. But her self-esteem still suffered greatly and she was too frightened to go out in public without me or my husband with her.

This journey with Emily took its toll on my health. I knew I needed help, yet we were not in a financial position for me to hire anyone. I began researching medical service dogs. I found several agencies which ultimately were either disreputable, or the waiting lists were years long. My beautiful, vibrant, young daughter - my brave girl who had survived cancer and was so looking forward to her future, could not wait years for help. Thats when I found Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. They were new and very small at the time and had not yet worked with a child. In my many discussions with them, I knew their evaluation of Emily's condition and the benefit she would receive from a service dog were spot on. They began training a dog for Emily.

During the time while her dog was being trained, Emily graduated high school and started a fashion design program at a local collage. Due to her continued seizure activity, she had frequent absences, carried a smaller schedule load and did not progress as fast as the other students. In spite of that, Emily was loving the new direction of her life. When we got the call from Guardian Angels that her dog was ready, Emily was super excited. On the day of her 18th birthday, Banshee, a beautiful petit German Shepherd, arrived in California. It was love at first sight. From that moment on, Emily and Banshee were inseparable. The trainers stayed for 8 days to train Banshee specifically to Emily's seizures. The amazing thing was, from the moment Banshee arrived, Emily's seizures stopped. She had NO seizures during the time the trainers were here. Emily experienced her first seizure with Banshee on the day the trainers returned to Florida. It was also the last time Emily had a seizure.

Emily has now been seizure free for more than 4 years. She is currently a junior in Woodbury University working towards her BA degree in Fashion Design. Banshee accompanies Emily on her 2 hour bus ride to and from school every day. They have traveled cross country by airplane 11 times together. Emily now has her drivers license. This summer she got her first job...She was a counselor at a summer camp for children - Banshee was given the job of "Honorary Counselor". Miracles do happen...often not in the way we expect. Our miracle loves belly rubs, liver treats and swims with Emily every chance she gets.

Our entire family is forever grateful to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

Hi my name is Michelle and I got pared with my dog Alice about 3 week ago. I suffer from PTSD, anxiety disorder and other medical condition .Alice is my best friend and she has helped me sleep with the lights off, keep me aware of my surroundings when I dissociate from a flashback, she has kept me calm when I'm in public areas with loud noises, she has even helped me with my postpartum depression. Having her in my life is haven sent. Yes having her and with 3 kids, 4,1 and a 2 month old is a challenge but she helps me more so then ever. My husband has notice changes in me and I don't get highly anxious when the baby cries.alice and I still have a lot to learn and have still have much training to do but it's been 3 weeks and so far I have seen lots of change in my life. Having her helps me start my day out right with exercise bc I have to run her in the morning, which is helping me lose the baby weight and fight the depression. One time when I was sitting on the sofa I had a flash back ( Alice was sitting there next to me) I was able to hold on to her and not leave my body which is called dissociation. My therapist and psychiatrist are very happy that I have her and think she is a good tool to help me with my grounding techniques with PTSD. Alice is great with my kids and part of my forever family I love her very much. I am thankful to guardian angels and the staff members that help train her and give her to me. She is my four-legged angel

My 14 year old daughter recently developed one of the worst cases of PTSD the mental health professionals have dealt with. What we thought had been verbal bullying from a classmate at school turned out to be torture and rape over the period of a year. She never told us because she had been threatened with being killed and her family as well. In one month she went from being an honor roll student in advanced classes to disabled and in a perpetual state of terror, haunted by non-stop flashbacks. We tried everything, medication, inpatient, intensive outpatient, alternative treatments. And then came Beau- a beautiful German Shepherd that is helping her come to terms with the trauma and grounding her during the unbearable flashbacks. Guardian Angels picked him for her and for the first time in years, she is learning to live a "real" life, instead of one in a constant state of dissociation. They are everything they say they are and then some.

The life-changing miracle these donated dogs present to their recipients is nothing short of amazing. So many people have been helped by this charity, but so many more need this help. When paired with a medical service dog, symptoms of anxiety and depression, PTSD, challenges with seizures or diabetes, are all greatly alleviated. People report finally being able to sleep through the night. Such a gift these dogs provide! They are well-bred, well-raised, and well-trained and the people who have received them feel their blessings each and every day. So more people on the waiting list can be served, this charity needs your support.

Gaurdian Angels recently paired me with Bear and words can't describe how grateful I am. I am a combat vet that suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a Traumatic Brain Injury and Complex Partial Seizures. Life has changed drastically since Bear and I became best friends. He has given me hope to live a life of normalcy. He is always by my side making sure I am doing ok. I get woken up to a face full of licks when I am having a bad nightmare. He is hopping on my lap when I am having intrusive memories during the day. It is amazing what Guardian Angels do for the dogs and recipients before and after the pairings. They are truly an Angel from up above. I want to give a big thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the staff, the supporters and the donors of GAMSD for making this all possible.

My husband, SPC Ryan Byberg, is an Army veteran who has struggled to achieve a sense of normalcy since his 12 month tour to Iraq. He suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and complex partial seizures.

He was recently paired with Bear through Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and I couldnt be more happy.

Since his pairing 3 weeks ago, Ryan has reached amazing milestones with Bear and continues to bond with his new companion as he gains his new sense of normalcy. The future looks bright and he is excited to live life to the fullest with Bear by his side.

A big THANK YOU goes out to all the staff at GAMSD who are changing lives one dog at a time and to all the selfless people and organizations that donate to make it all possible!

As an Army wife and Veteran Mental Health Advocate, I am so proud to be volunteer and donor for GAMSD. This organization changes lives. We are losing 22 Veterans a day to suicide. That's only with 7 states who report these deaths. The number is actually much higher. Suicide among our Combat Veterans is a very complex problem but there is a therapy that is working and saving lives. It is drug free and has proven itself to be a life changer. That therapy is matching at risk Veterans with Service Dogs. I am so proud to be a volunteer and donor for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs (GAMSD). They work hard every day to support some of our most deserving Veterans. I am also proud to see how wisely they use their funds. Rest assured when you give to GAMSD you are giving a Veteran a chance of a better life for their new normal.

I was responding originally to an advert on Craigs List for a German Shepherd. When I arrived to meet the dog she was not overly friendly but we assumed that was because of her training. So we made arrangements for her to join our household as a permanent pet. After some period of time my dear wife came home and was regaling me with the puppies at Pet Smart and I immediately called Carol at the service dog Kennel to see if she though it was a good idea. She responded that not only was it a great idea but that she also had another candidate for us to bring home. So Indi got to meet Dixie and those two were fast friends from the start. Dixie had an issue with reacting to thunder so we have been working with her to overcome that. In the meantime she has saved my life twice due to her whining and hovering around me when she senses something is amiss. After I told Carol what she has been doing they decided to elevate her status to full on Service Dog and leave her with me forever. She has been a Godsend and is absolutely irreplaceable at this point. Unfortunately we did lose Indi to a Donkey kicking her and damaging her spine, so we are even more careful to insure that all avenues of possible escape. Dixie has been a 100% great addition to our home and has earned her dinner and treats through her approach to taking care of me. I am 100% totally disabled with a plethora of medical issues and she seems to recognize when my chems are out of balance or if I am having too much difficulty breathing. She has alerted me to low blood pressure, breathing issues, and reminds me to take all of my meds on time too. Couldn't ask for a better pet and an even smarter service dog, and it all thanks to Carol Borden and the folks who help her at the foundation. I could never have afforded a GSD, let alone a fully trained and ready to work service dog too.

Wheelchair Bob Beckett

I would like to thank Guardian Angels for helping my wife to come out of her shell and start enjoying life again. Her service dog Hero has been a life saver for her and Carol and all the staff there are very friendly and make us both feel at home when we are there for training.
Sarah and I try to Donate as often as we are able to so that others will be helped as much as we have been.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs are life changers and lifesavers, literally! My Dolly has given my independence back. Dolly has brought me out of my head and I can concentrate on her instead of the fear and panic in me. I have my own apartment, I'm riding the bus to get around, and going grocery shopping, all with Dolly's help!! Dolly's help with the panic attacks, fear and depression have taken thoughts of suicide from my mind because I now have hope and I can see a brighter future.
This non-profit works tirelessly to help people with disabilities and I can't thank them enough.

I'm a Vietnam combat veteran with multiple PTSD issues. My Guardian Angel, Kira is absolutely the best medicine that was ever prescribed for me. She looks after me like I'm one of her pups. We travel together, shop together, volunteer at a VA hospital, have attended diner shows, attend church together, etc.. She gets me up and out of the house: something that I probably would not be doing without her.

Hi my name is Jacob and I am 100% disabled Iraq War Veteran. I am one of the most recent recipients of a Guardian Angel Medical Service Dog. I was paired with Faith about a month ago and we have been working together full time for about two weeks. Before being paired with a service dog I was dealing with alot of anxiety and sleeping issues that were caused by my TBI. I never knew a service dogs could help with invisible disabilities until I met a Guardian Angel service dog at a veteran function. After talking with the other veteran about how his service dog impacted his life and gave him the ability to get back to his everyday life, I knew it was something I needed to look into. I contacted GAMSD through email and was contacted back with a welcoming email from the organization founder Carol with all the detail and how to apply. She not only went through the application process but the different was that the organization help pair service dogs. Soon after my application was submit, Carol sent me a amazing email letting me know that I was accepted into the program and she wanted me to come out and meet her and the other wonderful members of the organization. Once I was able to make it out to meet everyone and go over the hole program, Carol wanted to introduce me to a service dog she felt would work best for me and my situation. From the first meeting with Faith, I knew she would be an amazing service dog and we bonded from the start. After that I was able to bring my family out to meet with Faith and see how she reacted to both of my young children. As you can imagine that would be a very scary thing for most parent, but once again Carol and her staff work with us and showed us how gentle and special their service dogs were. Once we knew that Faith would be great with the children, I was able to come out a couple more time and work with Faith and the trainers which included going out with some other members to a local event. This not only helped with my trusting in her training but showed me how well we could work together in my everyday life. Now that I have Faith all the time, my life has change dramatically. The team at Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs is truly amazing and I am so thankful that I was able to be apart of their program.

I've had Ptsd since 2009. It has been crippling. Almost a year ago to the day I was paired with Courage. He was provided to me at NO COST by GAMSD - he has been a God-send. Just yesterday my wife wanted to go shopping in a mall 22 miles from my house and I went. To most of you that doesn't seem like a big deal at all but for me it was impossible a short while ago. Any trips out of the house used to be there (Dr. Atty. etc.) and right back to the house, no extra stops. We shopped for hours and while I will admit that I had few bad moments with all of the crowds around (impossible to explain the horror playing in my head) and went through my daily doses of Xanax early in the trip, I survived. I even found myself relaxed while talking to interested parents, kids and a few veterans about Courage. I've actually spent whole days out of the house! Not too many, but, more than before I was gifted with this magnificent beast! I don't really consider him mine - If I should die sooner than later my Bro and Sis_n_Law wanted to be in line for him but, He will go back to Carol and Chris to go help another Veteran. There's a saying that my mind is like a bad neighborhood after dark - you don't want to go in there alone -he leads the way. Thanks Carol, Chris and all for this gift.
Here's something upbeat (for a change) I wrote recently -

“It’s not always easy being me, but there are times when I know in the fiber of my being that I've done the right thing….That’s a damn good day to be me.!” the 'right thing' in this case was going out of doors for a few hours...Love and Respect...Eddie

My name is David. I suffered a terrible accident to my face and head, which resulted in the loss of my left eye and chronic PTSD. I am writing this because I am profoundly grateful to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs for the gift of Scout, my guardian angel. Being paired with Scout has given me back a sense of independence, and now words like pride, strength, hope, and future are beginning to have meaning again. For the first time in two years I am able to participate in activities outside of the home without having to have my wife with me. I am able to sleep now sometimes as long as four to five hours at a time. Furthermore, Scout provides proprioceptive feedback, by touching/leaning on my leg and by the use of a mobility harness. This improves my balance and prevents falls due to my loss of visual acuity.
Medical service dogs, like Scout, are an out-of-the-box solution to a plethora of symptoms faced by millions of people in America today. Can you imagine having access to a cane that can read your emotional state or alert for seizures? Can you imagine a medication bottle that can walk to you when you are unable to retrieve it yourself, or even call 911? I can now after meeting Carol and Chris of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, as well as other recipients. These animals have virtually limitless potential to help countless men, women, and children regain some or all of their independence. Please believe me when I say this wonderful organization saves lives and families. I speak from firsthand experience.

Sincerely,
Dr. David J. Whitfield

Hi there! My name is George and I was the recipient of "Sasha" from GASMD (Guardian Angles Medical Service Dogs) in Williston, Fl. I was a Vietnam Combat Corpsman during 67-68 in I Corps with the 1st Marine Div. I have and suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I am 100% permanently and totally disabled due to my military trauma for my country.

Psychiatric Hospital stays, Officie visits, Medications and Cognative Therapy have a place but they were not the end or complete answer for me. I felt like a freak and wanted to be normal like everyone else. Before.., I felt angry, full of rage, alone, no friends, hopeless, helpless, depressed and constantly suicidal. My "service dog" helps me to have a life that I never had before. Now.., I have, unconditional acceptance and plenty of love. I now am able to open the curtains of my home, leave my property and enjoy going out, meeting people and even laughing. Believe it ! I am happily married too.

Thank you soooo much Carol, Chris, staff and sponsors !! GAMSD changed my life. I would have ended my life but GAMSD has allowed me to have a new beginning that I never dreamed possible.

This would not be possible if it were not the wonderful sponsors and donors...THANK YOU who ever you are ?

Isolated for 10 yrs at home with PTSD as a RVN veteran, the training my dog and I received from Guardian Angels was a world opening experience. This summer (2013) my MAX-A-MILLION (max) and i drove from Fl to Alaska and back 12000 miles. We went to shops, museums, walmarts, resturants, hotels, camp grounds and lived a fulfilling life experence never before possible for me. Max (St. Bernard) attracts all types of encounters with folks that I could never before have handled without his assistance. Carol and Chris deserve and need all of the assistance you can provide for the betterment of other veterans lives.

I have been provided the greatest Medical Service Dog for my PTSD anyone could ask for. I am a disabled Veteran and my Dog Dazzle has changed my life. Everyone at Guardian Angels has been the greatest support for me and has provided caring guidance always.

I am an OIF/OEF veteran. Carol and her staff have truly impacted my life and my family's life through the use of her medical service dogs. I have experienced new life with my service dog that I would not otherwise been able to achieve on medications alone. Because of this program I am no longer dependent upon medications to function. My service dog has eliminated the need for daily medications and mental health services. It is truly a blessing to have people like Carol who welcome all in need of help with open arms. Her professional expertise in canine therapy and service dog training make her program very beneficial to both military service members and civilians alike. I personally have no doubt that the strides I have made, while in her program, are in fact a direct result of Carol, her staff and her service dogs.