ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities

I came to ECAD almost three years ago as a volunteer looking for a positive way to help people. I was so impressed and involved, I never left!
Building on close to 30 years of experience the folks at ECAD have developed a system of breeding, raising and training beautiful, intelligent dogs. Skilled trainers train these dogs to an exceptionally high degree. These dogs are carefully matched both in personality and personalized training to be helpful and often lifesaving companions to people who are struggling with a variety of disabilities. Qualifying clients receive both on and off campus, in-depth training with their matched dog in a variety of different environments. This exceptional pairing and personalized training is followed up with extensive post-graduation contact and support.
The proof is seen every graduation night in the happy, confident smiles of the children and their parents, the veterans or civilians, graduating with their Service Dog!
CZ

ECAD has been a force in the field of service dog training for nearly 30 years. In this time, ECAD has overseen the successful matching of hundreds of clients with suitable service dogs. These dogs create an undeniable impact on the lives of their forever-person. These incredible canines can facilitate everything from socialization to medical alerts and everything in-between. It is a honor to work here, and to be apart of such a wonderful facility.

When it comes to service dogs, there is only one choice: ECAD! The folks (and dogs) at ECAD make an incredible impact on both the clients and the community they serve. An ECAD dog can benefit individuals who live with complexities in a multitude of ways including medical service, confidence, companionship, and much more. Help ECAD Help Dogs Help Humans!

I have always known about service dogs and the importance of them, but the publication of Until Tuesday (service dog extraordinaire who was trained by ECAD), truly educated me on the different service dogs out there...the invisible wounds of PTSD, Autism support dogs are just the tip of the iceberg on what assisted accomplishments these highly trained dogs can do...non profits like ECAD are crucial.

It has been an honor to support ECAD over the years and now to be a monthly contributor. The work the trainers do with the dogs is unbelievable. The dogs go out into the community prepared and confident to handle any situation that arises. What an incredible organization, making a difference in the world. Who wouldn’t want a dog trained by ECAD.
#bethechange

This group of people are a family, with one goal in mind, to help disabled people and vets have a better quality of life. They are dedicated, kind, and caring. They are very professional. I have supported them monthly since 2015.

ECAD is a very special organization which has helped me and my family greatly. I have a severe neuro-muscular disease, cannot walk and am permanently confined to a power wheelchair. I am also a wife and mother of 2 children. ECAD trained and provided a service dog for me. This dog has given me back the independence that my disease took away. Before ECAD, I was scared to be alone or go anywhere on my own. Now with my service dog, I am able to go out in public and enjoy my independence. The dog is trained to open doors, turn on lights, retrieve objects, help with clothing, etc. The training my service dog received is way in excess of industry standards. Also through the training I received, I am capable of taking care of the dog properly and making sure that the dog and I are safe in public. Not only does the dog help me, but now my family is relieved that I am in good "paws" when they are not around. While my disability will never go away, ECAD and my service dog have made it easier to live. Thank you ECAD for everything you do!!

My 21 year old daughter trained and came home with her service dog earlier this year. Honor has not only changed my daughter’s life but has changed the rest of the family’s life, too. My daughter has the independence she wanted and needed. Her confidence has increased in all areas of her life. Lu chose the best dog for her! They are an incredible team together.

I signed up as a home handler to help out with the pups and give them a weekend out of the kennels. Being able to give them a home to relax in, take naps, and meet new people has actually brought me some very nice “therapy” because of how much love they give back. I think I get more out of having them in my home and loving them, then just a weekend foster mom. Seeing all the good that these pups provide when they graduate and become a service dog, has made me be a true supporter of ECAD. I highly recommend ECAD to anyone looking for a way to give back (volunteer) or to someone who needs a service dog.

Tuesday and Luis led me to ECAD. Their story of how Tuesday turned Luis’ life around after he returned from war with so many physical and emotional disabilities is so powerful and heartwarming. Service dogs are a crucial part of life for many people living with disabilities, and I believe in their healing power so very much. I applaud ECAD for their dedication to making the world better, one service dog at a time. ������

I truly respect the work of this organization. They train and care for these dogs that help so many people in so many ways. The trainers and manager, especially Linda, keep this organization running in tip top shape. The trainers and volunteers demonstrate so much love to these animals... This is evident when you foster these beautiful dogs for a weekend or a week. I absolutely respect and appreciate this organization,,,,,,and I am proud to be a small part of it.

ECAD trains dogs to be service dogs. The life saving role they play for veterans and civilians alike is phenomenal.

Lu and Dale Picard are the most incredible, caring, kind, loving, and admirable people who devote their entire lives to helping adults and children dealing with visible and invisible disabilities become independent through the training of their puppies into the most inspiring service Canines. I personally have had the heartwarming occasions to work with one of their service dogs. He was so very well trained and knew and understood his many commands which was enlightening for sure. The ECAD founders and their staff are remarkable in so many beautiful ways, giving of themselves to raise these beautiful puppies for others in need. I support ECAD in any way I can with heartfelt thanks for all they do.

Reading Until Tuesday is what brought me to know of ECAD. What keeps me here is all the great things they do for so many people.....

ECAD trains these dogs thoroughly. The dogs are well taken care of. ECAD is as dedicated to their dogs as to the person they are placed with.

In 2016 I was hired by ECAD as a Kennel Assistant. Because of my history of being emotionally abused my selfesteem was very low. ECAD has allowed me to become more confident in myself. The dogs that are educated there have become my reason for being. Even they know when I have a down day and always try to cheer me up. And usually they do. So if they can do that for me then you know the positive impact they give our clients.

I was a client first. I was a volunteer 2nd and an employee third. The organization and work environment was horrific. There is no professionalism, skirting the rules, keeping silent auction items for themselves, fighting, screaming...when I left, the family refused to return my personal belongings and failed to pay me my wages, contract and supplemental pay. It took 18 months with the Dept of Labor. I was the first to make a claim and others soon followed. When I left the owners spread false rumors, had other clients attack me verbally, threaten me and then the owners refused to me as a team with my dog! I was the public access certifier for the teams---they use sponsors and donors and veterans as puppets. Couldn't be organized to do any lobbying or outreach either. They pick and choose their clients as well...

I know this organization does some wonderful work, however they're methods are a bit abusive. I have seen with my own eyes the amount of time their dogs spend in their crates. Yes, that's right, I said crates. They're not runs, they're crates. Most of the dogs were too big to even be able to stretch out in them, or stand erect in them. They're paws would be pressing against the front of the metal. Plus they can't see out of the crate because they're plastic. Please see my facebook page where there is more information.
Andrea M. Smith

as a combat disabled veteran, is an alumni and graduate of project heal. lizzy my service dog and i have been a team for several years and been on many adventures. she is a blessing to me and i am lucky to have her in my life.

In response to consumer1:

I am a member of a local veterans’ organization. We have been dealing with ECAD as a donor for a number of years. The focus of our support has been Project HEAL which places service dogs with physically and/or emotionally disabled veterans. I read the comments of “consumer1” with dismay and felt compelled to give a contrasting viewpoint.

I think that “consumer1’s” expectations of ECAD are unrealistic and his/her criticisms basically without merit. First, ECAD is making approximately a $25,000 investment in each service dog it provides. Requiring only a $500 non-refundable deposit after being accepted into ECAD’s Program (Civilian Program or Project HEAL ) on a $25,000 investment is beyond generous. Second, I have never heard of a case where a civilian or veteran who followed the rules of the ECAD Program did not receive a service dog. Third, ECAD requires the recipient to meet certain standards for caring for their service dog. I am sorry, but if the recipient does not have the financial resources himself/herself or via family and friends to come up with a $500 non-refundable deposit for an investment that will change his/her life, the odds of him/her having the resources to provide ECAD’s required level of care for their service dog are very low and the dog should go to someone else.

Based on my experience, I can say with confidence that Westchester’s veterans’ organizations are firmly behind ECAD and enthusiastically support Project HEAL. Everyone who happens to read the review posted by “consumer1” ought to (1) read the other 100 reviews also, and (2) look at ECAD’s Charity Navigator Evaluation where it has a “four star (highest possible)” rating. “Consumer1” would be better off focusing on trying to find a service dog elsewhere rather than bashing ECAD on this website where his comments clearly reflect a minority view.

In response to Consumer1:

I am assuming you have not had much interaction with ECAD. They are some of the most dedicated and hardworking people I have ever had the pleasure of supporting. They have gone far above and beyond for every client I have ever encountered there, as well as to ensure their donors they are efficiently allocating the funds they collect. I would recommend this organization to anyone in need of their services. They are a ray of light among the clouds for those feeling hopeless or overwhelmed due to a disability.

I am a client of ECAD and can talk having first hand experience with ECAD. I applied with ECAD 10 years ago and the commitment fee then was $500. I am currently waiting on my second ECAD dog. ECAD commits to all their clients, the instructors are there to help, they return emails and phone calls and treat their graduates like family. ECAD is a hardworking, honest group of people. I would like to clarify a few things in the above review. 1) Yes ECAD has a $500 commitment fee but that is after the face to face meet and greet interview, and only if the person would like to proceed with ECAD. 2) ECAD uses agreements not contracts, having an ECAD service dog is an ongoing relationship with the organization. It is team work and trust on both sides that makes it work. 3) ECAD has a person dedicated to helping with fundraising. And the dogs are amazing I have seen many of them at various ECAD events as well as living with my own ECAD service dog for the past 10 years. Anyone in need of a Service Dog would be lucky to get an ECAD dog and it is well worth the effort and time the clients put in while their dog is being trained.

ECAD is all about the money. First to ask for a $500 non-refundable deposit from someone who is disabled and probably on a limited income speaks for itself. The deposit is to show commitment from the client with no commitment from ECAD. They expect payment in full without a written contract with a specific scheduled training. There are inconsistencies with information in their documents. Their communication with a perspective client while the client is trying to raise funds is poor. Their lack of knowledge of fundraising resources to share with clients is poor as well. I cannot speak about how well their dogs are trained but I will not recommend this agency due to their lack of integrity.

Four years ago I became a client of ECAD upon receiving my service dog Garrison. He truly changed my life. ECAD provided me with a highly trained service dog (80+ commands), and the personalized training to take care of him and safely navigate in public. I was fighting the constant battle of trying to remain independent in spite of my disability. He enabled me to maintain my independence and give my family piece of mind, knowing that he is always by my side. This is an extremely high quality dedicated organization that really does help 3 people (the client, the trainer and the dog)!! Since receiving Garrison, my family members have become volunteers to try and help others receive the fantastic gift that I was given. We are proud to be members of the ECAD family.

We fell in love with this charity a few years ago and went to a few events before finally committing to being Home Handlers. We can't say enough great things about ECAD. We especially love how they support our Military Vets.

I have been a client since 2012. This organization has definitely changed my life. With the help of my Service Dog, Somerset, I am able to be more independent. She help me with everyday tasks, but has also helped me do things I could have never imagined possible (such as taking the Amtrak to visit my parents, who live in another state.)
Somerset has also helped me make friends. People who would never speak to me before I had had the dog now go out of their way to talk to us. I have an incredible bond with my ECAD classmates, who I consider friends for life. Before I had Somerset, I was often anxious in social situations. Having her with me constantly helps me to relax.
ECAD is a wonderful organization. I feel lucky & blessed to be a client.

I had the great fortune to met an ECAD service dog and his partner, and read about ECAD's exceptional traing methods. It gives me great pleasure to contribute to such a well-grounded charity.

ECAD is an amazing non-profit that helps lives on so many levels. 1. They give independence and new lives to individuals with disabilities, veterans and civilians, adults and children, providing amazingly trained and loving service dogs who provide needed services and connection. 2. They work with at-risk children who train the dogs (under the guidance of professional, gifted trainers), often these children's first experience of loving and caring, changing lives for these children. 3. They have a great bunch of volunteers and advocates who bring the dogs in training into the community. I am a weekend volunteer and the ECAD dogs have brought tremendous joy and growth to my own life. 4. This non-profit is impeccably run. Lu and Dale Picard are so talented at understanding how an organization works at every level. They spend money where it's needed - no wasted money with "Frou frou" fancy stuff or unneeded bureaucracy. Donations and time go where most needed. These people care!!! If you care about people - or dogs - smile - this is an organization worth your time.

ECAD is a wonderful organization that places service dogs with veterans and others with disabilities. I currently have a wonderful dog named Memphis. He is a mobility assistance dog who also began to alert to my diabetes high and low blood sugars. This is my 3rd ECAD dog, all of them have also helped me in my recovery from child sexual abuse.
The Picards and their staff and volunteers are kind and caring people who tailor each service dog to an individual clients needs. I have recommended ECAD to many people and I am giving them a 5 star rating!
Briana B.

I became aware of ECAD through the Explore.org live cams. It was just before Gucci gave birth to the Cheez-Its and I've been a fan and follower ever since! I have found this organization to be one that cares as much about the breeding and care of these magnificent dogs as they do to the future forever humans they match them with. The Picards, Lu and Dale, are truly dedicated to ECAD's mission and it shows by all the people's lives they have touched and made better, who would otherwise have become a statistic. My only disappointment is that I do not live close enough to be an ECAD volunteer.

My daughter & I have been volunteering at the CT campus for almost 4 years now. The staff that work there are some of the most tireless, hardest working people I have ever had the pleasure to work along side of. We have learned so much from volunteering at ECAD, most of all what true dedication to a cause really looks like. ECAD never feels that their work is good enough. They continually strive to do a better job whether it be educating the dogs, the youth volunteers, staff or the general public. We are truly bless to be part of this wonderful organization. Thank-you ECAD for all that you do!

ECAD is a seriously run business with a heart of gold mission. Over the past 18 years the organization has grown consistently and is now a leader in the Service Dog industry. As they enter the next generation of their existence, ECAD is building a state-of-the art Canine Education Facility to double their production of expertly trained Service Dogs. I recommend them highly to any serious philanthropist.

I am a 100% disabled veteran. On Retirees Recognition Day at West Point, I met East Coast Assistance Dogs and asked about their program to help the disabled. We had a short conversation and they went to work immediately on my behalf arranging all the paperwork and then I ran it through my physicians at the Veterans Hospital. After 14 months four of us with similar disabilities were brought to their dormitory and we spent a little over two weeks being trained on dogs, their physiology, psychology , care and grooming, all the commands, and working with them in public. We lived with our dogs 24/7 and after a final exam in public we graduated at a special ceremony in a packed civic center. I call our new lives "the miracle of the dogs" as each of us are better off. I don't consider Iris a Golden Retriever. To me she is Iris and as much a part of me as any person could ever get. Together we have driven across the USA twice and flown to Germany. She is close day and night and I could not imagine where I would be today without her. Lt. Col. Bill Northacker, USA, Retired.

I move to CT from PR looking desperetly medical help for my daughter. Something was going on I didnt understand my own daughter. She was no learning at all, etc and the Medical Providers just blame the age and just acting as a normal Hyper child. But I knew something was wrong.

In an instant my word turned upside down. I had to put a side all my goals and dreams including my profession . I had to decide between my dreams or my daughter health. I had to decide gave a huge step back and started from CERO. So without no much time, I had to plan moving to CT in just two weeks. A Saturday I just decided to buy the flight tickets, Monday I gave the notice of my employer that in two weeks I will not longer can work for the company ( a great company). I had to finish in two weeks an ACCESS program I was building and make an user manual. Last day of work Sept 21 and in time could finish the program and the manual. I depart from PR arrived at CT on Sept 22, 2007 at 11 pm alone with my daughter on sept 2007, no family at all. Just with our luggage, medical documents and some of her favorite toys. And a good family that open their house to live with them for a month. I didnt know them, the only thing I knew that my neighbors already knew them.

My daughter have several mental illness. She was diagnosed on 2007 here in Hartford CT with Bipolar I (with hallucinations), ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Depression. A shocking hard diagnose for a child of 7 years old. Despite of her conditions, both commited to be a team to deal with her conditions and fight the good fight learning more about her condition, therapy and through a lot of medications. Actually she takes 6 strong medications twice a day. One of it is Haldol. this med is given to patients in psychiary ER and in top of that it suppose to be Haldol or Seroquel. So finally she had to take both with the other 4 meds. Her condition is more complex and the medication doesnt do what they suppose to do like disappearing-stop the hallucinations. She is sensitive to the meds (affecting her heart) so two of them cannot be increased.

One day a friend (23 years old) was recently diagnosed with bipolar. So I talked to her to talk to my daughter. Remember one of my daughter words to my friend.... "You know? It is so hard to deal with it". Remember she was seeing starring the sidewalk. My friend and I had to hold the tears. My friend had to wrap up the conversation...

Well since I arrived here on 2007, I havent stop looking for all the help, training we can get. One day I saw a news about a problem with a mother that have 2 autism child and their service dog and Mc Donalds. Of course, the issue was the service dog... Then I realized that I should look for a Service Dog Organization that be specialized on service dog for mental illness patients. Looking for an organization with a good reputation and highly experience in mental illness area. Took me around one month to find the one that fits my daughter needs. It was ECAD. It was like God open the heaven for me and my daughter. During that month I learned about laws, web side central service dog, and the Psychiatry Service Dog Society. Remember right now I found ECAD through the PSD Society.

Since the firt time I started to contact them... They are great!!!! All additional information I needed was given to me. I knew inmediatly that it is a truthful and great organization. When I saw they are partners with Veterans Affairs realized inmediatly it is the kind of Organization have fully acknowledge about Service Dog for Mental Illness patients.

We had been working a year (since 2012) to raised the funds. Because I am alone and my daughter conditions had to set limits who are my friends. And yes, I finished kind isolated and harder to do the raise funding.

Josue "Ace" Acevedo, extraordinaire volunteer of ECAD. He is the one who started to teach me how to do fund raising. For me something that I never thought that I couldnt do it. He have been giving me all the support and guiding me through the whole process on ECAD. I found a good church, my church, Calvary Church in West Hartford have been helping me in organizing fund raising, through the Compation Ministry. Melody Chapman is the person who have been in charge to take this wonderful proyect. The Church is very exhited of the stupendous program that have ECAD for people with Disabilites and spread the word. The church have been committed to my daughter cause. We started recycling 5 cents deposit bottles and they sponsord Karla doing a Pancake Breakfast raising funds. We felt so happy and proud doing this proyect. The idea and the person behind this activity (Pancake Breakfast) and came from his heart was Philip and Kristine Parker. We were so happy because we could raised $1,500 and I was so happy. But I was running out of time. We were so far to the goal and I was getting kind of sad because I thought my daughter couldnt make the Team Training for this summer and have to wait a whole year again. I just praying 24/7 for a miracle from God. Asking to the Lord that move the heart of a Person to sponsor Karla. And I know this person will have a great blessing changing the life of my daughter and her future and every person and the church who had been helping giving a chance of a better, quality of life for my daughter.

My daughter is in really needed of the Service Dog, as a child at risk and my health was getting more affected. Kind of 24/7 taking care of my daughter. Lack of sleep, all the responsability as the only headhouse... Too much to handle but never giving up.

The church and our prayers were listened and the miracle had came all over us. Someone completed the amount of the balance due. Barbara gave me the news on June 4. That day I was so stressed out and with an anxiety attack. Had to return home inmediatly. I always overcome this but this time was a hard one. While I was trying to relax like 30 min later I received the call of Barbara Jenkel. When she asked me if we could do the training for this summer and someone paid the big balance due. I was shoked I had to make sure i was not dreaming when I finished with Barbara by phone. I laughed, I cried of hapiness because the first thing comes to my mind my daughter now will have a future and all the blessing that will come with it. I had to knee and give thanks for the things that God had done and how God direct people to open their heart to help us. Giving a chance of a better life to childs and adults at risk.

ECAD and Josue "Ace" Acevedo are stupendous and fantastics. Doing a great job for all their clients. They are at the Top of any expectation.

Calvary Church and the person who open its heart for this great gift of life.

All together changed our lives and future for good. My daughter is thanksful because she have dreams to be an useful and successfull person for this world. We both have a better look at her future.

I WILL BE THANKSFULL FOR EVER.

My son Troy Roberts has Autism. We went to ECAD 3 years ago for help. We got a beautiful "yellow puppy" named Sierra. Actually, she chose my son. Once you are in ECAD's door, you become family.
They make sure you are trained properly and even answer "dumb" questions. Troy didn't have many words 3 years ago, but now he is trying to command Sierra. It's cute when he plays lay down boy and she will respond to him. When I was trying to get even information about a service dog for Troy, Ohio had nothing for us. When I called ECAD I got fast response! I couldn't believe it. I think it took us 6 - 8 months total time from first phone call until Sierra was home with us. Ecad keeps in touch or you can always call them with questions. If you can make a higher recommendation than 5 stars, it would be infinate. Thank you ECAD !!!

We are currently in the process of getting our dog for our son who has a mitochondrial disease. We will be attending our training camp this summer. Our experience up to this point has been very good. This firm is professional, caring and compassionate. We attended our interview in November 2011 and had a very good experience. The organization keeps us updated and quickly answers any questions we have. It's a top notch firm.

ECAD's staff and volunteers are some of the most giving, caring people I've ever met. As both a board member and recipient of their services, I am especially aware of their hard work and dedication. The staff works together, not only to train the service dogs and the trainer/students, but also to help raise funds for the organization.
I have recieved two service dogs from ECAD. My first dog, Elli, worked from the day I brought her home in March, 2000, right up until a week before she died in September, 2011. She was literally a lifesaver, waking me when my father's ventilator alarm went off. At the time of my interview, I thought that would be the only thing I needed a service dog for. Was I wrong!! With Elli, my life became so much easier! She would pull my wheelchair for miles, help me with the grocery shopping, and perform a myriad of tasks that I would find difficult without her.
In March, 2013, my second service dog, McGrew, came home with me. With his help, I am able to work part time, even though I suffered another spinal cord injury. He pulls me to work and home every day, picks up everything I drop (and I drop a LOT of items) and loves to get things off the shelves in the supermarket for me. McGrew has become a special part of our community because of his loving personality and calmness. When our area was devastated by a tropical storm 6 months ago, ours was one of the few businesses that remained open. Lines were long and people were devastated by the loss of their homes. McGrew, like Elli before him, seemed to know who needed him most. He accepted lots of hugs during those trying times. Our "don't pet" policy went out the window with these dire circumstances, and he spent hours calming people. After each encounter, McGrew would climb onto my lap as if to say " I love you the most." Who but the most caring individuals like those at ECAD could raise and train dogs of this caliber.

ECAD is a wonderful, thoughtful organization that works tirelessly at training and providing service dogs to so many, particularly our returning soldiers that depend on these wonderful creatures to give them the freedom to return to live as it was or as close as it ever can be again. This service is invaluable to our veterans and the people that love them.

We received a service dog through ECAD and my daughters whole life was changed. He provided balance for her and that gave me peace of mind. The staff and volunteers made our experience so wonderful. we give them 5 stars!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I have been affiliated with ECAD since the beginning of the program. I am a Mental Health Professional who has worked with Emotionally Traumatized youth for over 30 years. These young children and adolescents help in training the dogs to become service dogs for physically and mentally handicapped individuals, offering them greater independence and self worth. In turn, our youth, who have suffered unspeakable traumas, begin the healing process through the dogs that love them and teach them about caring for all living things. It is a remarkable program that has changed hundreds of childrens lives that I have worked with. I have another story to tell however, as not to long ago I became sick with a debilitating disease and had one of the ECAD dogs. I now understand, on a very personal level, what a gift a service dog is, providing companionship when you're alone when the rest of the world keeps going on, offering the dignity of independence, and freely giving the sense of self worth. The staff, volunteers and founders of ECAD are all a remarkable group of people, and they do this work because they care. I am honored to be affiliated with them. Kathy Forte

We recently received Allen, our handsome, smart and well mannered therapy dog. He is a pleasure and a joy to work with and has done wonders in raising the spirits of not only our patients but our staff as well.

Its a great program....and i will always will be there for them.....

I received Honey last November. Because of her I have considerably improved my life. I was fast becoming more and more trapped in my own house. I have almost completely turned my life around enjoying my family and leading an almost normal life. She is also responsible for just about eliminated my night terrors. There are no words that I can express that can explain here what she has done for me.

I got gigi from ECAD in the winter of 2010. Me and gigi have sure had a journey so far. The journey started the year I got gigi. That spring of 2010 Me and gigi won a scholarship to attend the ADA conference in Denver. It was really cool to see other people with disabilities with there service dogs. We really enjoyed ourselves there that week. I have very bad rheumtoid arthritis and depression, so getting gigi has helped alot when the days are tough to get around. The big challenge was yet to come! In 2011, I was layed off from job in march in 2011, so having gigi helped me with that transistion of not working. Then last fall my world turn upside down. I got very sick at end of october. I thought, I had a touch of the flu. Boy! Was I wrong, The day before Halloween, it SNOWED! I was very sick! I had to call the ambulence, I couldn't walk! The medics came, and I took my gigi with me! There was no way I was going to leave her behind. I was admitted into the hospital and I was hospitalized for two months! Gigi got to stay with me there at the hospital for the first week! Because the snow and ice was so bad upstate! But, a wonderful volunteer from ECAD, helped out and took care of gigi for me well I was in the hospital. It was really hard to have her gone though! I ached so bad for her. But, I knew she was safe, loved, and not that far. My bond for gigi is know even stronger! I want her to grow into an older doggie! She helps me everyday. When I am feeling down, and she knows when I am upset she knows. The people at ECAD are great people! Lu and dale spend so much time with the service dogs, they want you to really have the best service dog for you. Until you are confronted with a life of disabled person, you really don't know until your there, it doesn't mean that your life is over! It just changes and you as that person has to adapt to your new reality. Me and gigi are a team. From Richard J. Cortez & Gigi.

ECAD is a life changing organization. With ECAD and my service dog Brady I have my life back.

I have been a volunteer and an employee (currently both) at ECAD since Nov. 2005. I can say without a doubt that by working with this organization, much of my self-confidence has been restored. Learning to train service dogs has strengthened my social work and people skills. I am now working with younger children again through ECAD. I studied education in undergraduate school, so working with children again is wonderful. And I love being able to help train these dogs. To date, I have been a home handler for 63 service-dogs-in-training. I am a very lucky person!!!

I'm a registered nurse and manager in a very busy hospital. The thought of adding another task to my laundry list of duties I perform daily becomes chilling. However, volunteering one hour a day to round on my patients with "Lily" our hospital's Service/Therapy dog is the most rewarding part of my day! "Lily" always brings smiles to the patients, their families and the staff. She assists with motivating, stress reduction and bringing the "Healing environment" to our facility.

This company is a major role to our society, ECAD is able to help and support many people with all types of disabilities. The animals they train are able to physically and emotions help their owners get through their different life situations. I have been to a CT facility and gotten to personal meet some of their dogs at different levels of their training. I have seen this company's employees and see them work with their animals and am proud to know that an organization like this is around.

ECAD has done so much more than just help me with my independence, but also changed me as a person. I have gained confidence as an individual beyond a level never thought imaginable. There is a reason why I returned to ECAD once my first service dog that I received from them retired. If there are any people in the entire world that deserve undying recondition, it is Lu and the rest of the staff at ECAD.

I have volunteered for ECAD for 15 years and have worked with the kids, clients and dogs. They way they all meld together and give a more positive life to all three is amazing and probably surpasses any other program i have seen. it is a win,win,win situation. Everybody learns from the experience.

In May of 2008 I was in a horrific car accident resulting in being paralyzed from the chest down. Prior to my accident I was very independent in life and also was very active in my community. I served as the towns volunteer Fire Chief for four years. After my accident I became very depressed not being able to do the things I once did freely. I had heard about service dogs in rehab but didn’t understand fully what they would do for me. Two years after coming home from the hospital I received a call from ECAD advising me that my application for a service dog was approved. Since being paired with my dog Mack, my life has changed dramatically. I am once again out and about and still involved with the fire company as much as possible. Mack accompanies me to college and is of great assistance. I cannot imagine my day without Mack as he is a great boost for my confidence in many day to day tasks. I cannot thank ECAD enough for the wonderful job they do with these dogs and the great job they do in the matching process!!

My name is Shannon Benton, and I received my Service Dog Trainer/Instructor certification from ECAD through their Train the Trainer program, in August of 2010. Since then, the people of ECAD have been absolutely wonderful helping me to start my service dog training business, including providing advise, donating stud service, and giving me pointers and tips on starting puppy training. Thank you!

My children received service dogs five years ago. Their lives have changed dramatically since Tootsie and Rebel joined our family.

My family has been volunteering at ECAD for 5 years. We are home handlers and take service dogs home on weekends to reinforce what they are taught in school. We have seen firsthand how this program has impacted the lives of many. For one, these service dogs better the lives of the clients they eventually serve. Whether the service dogs goes to an individual with a physical or emotional handicap, the dog is taught and trained to meet the needs of each specific individual. Besides helping their clients with day-to-day tasks they provide unconditional love and emotional support.

ECAD is bar none the most amazing charity I have ever volunteered for.
The Picards founded this organization as a way to bring Unconditional Love to the people that need it most; Children at risk who society has basically given up on and people of all types with various disabilities.
By having the Children at Risk train and develop a relationship with the service dogs, they are getting their self-esteem back and can feel like they have a purpose. The service dogs that are trained by these children give so much back to needy people with emotional, physical and mental disabilities- I have never encountered a more dedicated, loving and beautiful cause- being involved with ECAD has has changed my life as it is like a beautiful circle of Unconditional Love and Service.

I became interested in medical assistance dogs when I discovered my dog was a medic alert dog few years ago. My and a staff member's 6-month evaluation of the various programs revealed few were as good as ECAD and none in the area have their concern/caring/commitment.
Seeing their success just with Luis Carlos Montalván and Tuesday would make anyone a believer. They have recently made strides to expand and improve their services, assisting more people.
While the weather has precluded my attending graduation programs, they've been open and encouraged involvement of others. Suggestions for improvement are welcomed and adopted.
I evaluate executives and companies for a living--and applaud ECAD.

An employee of yours, Rachel Southworth, noticed some of my Facebook posting regarding the need for a certified hearing dog. She reached out to me, and has spent considerable amount of time finding information and resources to help me in my quest, though ECAD does not train service dogs. Her education on the subject, including the importance of finding an organization that is approved by the service dogs accreditation program, has been instrumental. Rachel has been a fine example of everything ECAD represents, and though I am not an actual client, I am proud to have learned about what you do.

As i was at ECAD with my son Anthony i WAS amazed at watching

how the ECAd family was able to bring back and give a full and HAPPY

life to a person by way of their new dog friend and companion.

these incredibly trained dogs seem to light the world once again for

all who come in contact with them. Doors have opened again for my son and more are opening, where as before they were closed.The ECAD family have a special give of giving and caring and patience, i feel they are all truly blessed with a gift and i feel the best part of this gift is the giving part. These people have turned around the lives of many. I would truly feel special to be a part of this --I would truly feel special if i could help to make others happy for no one should feel sad,
lonely, or left out and i see that ECAD has changed this and made people whole again. ECAD has does and continues to MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY as a new life comes to them with their SERVICE DOG. eVERYONE involved has a touch of magic and are truly Blessed and i am glad i got to experience it.

I am writing on behalf of Martin Luther King, Jr., High School in the Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District. We are currently in our second year of the ECAD Program which involves students in grades nine through twelve. This program has helped our students learn key skills in the area of communication and leadership.

In closing, I like to say how sincerely thankful I am to have the ECAD Program at our high school.

Paul Tobin
Principal

ECAD is a wonderful program for not just the local community that is involved, but for the families whose life are changed. I am writing as a witness to this wonderful change in a family very close to me. ECAD has a very special way of working with their clients not only through the training program but also for the years to follow! They provide peace of mind and really set the families up for success!

My time as a weekend respite provider for the dogs in training was an amazing experience..I learned so much from my canine guests and the experience gave me the confidence and skill to rescue a dog in need of a home.
This organization cares deeply about its youth tainers as well as the canines.As a result of the dedication and expertise of the professionals in this organization canines and their partners are well suited and successful.
The contributions made by these dogs to the lives of all they encounter is difficult to measure but invaluable and life changing.
It is a pleasure to have played a small role in this much needed organization,They provide a wonderful service.

I have had the honor of working with ECAD since its inception. They provide an amazing service not only to the ultimate clients who receive the fully trained dogs but to the boys who train the dogs at The Children's Village. I'm a staff member at CV but also a "mom" to one of the breeder dogs who has provided two litters of puppies for the program. This program is a source of awe-inspiring results and is a win-win for everyone concerned.

ECAD is a wonderful organization. Everyone involved truly believes in this cause and authentically cares about the organization. The dogs receive outstanding training, love and attention by at-risk teens- who not only learn dog training skills, but they gain confidence and how to give and receive love from the dogs. In turn these dogs one day help those with physical or emotional issues... After partnering and training, the dog recipients are able to achieve greater independence as they go out into the world with a new four legged best friend. This is an amazing organization with every nuance and detail attended to in the most sensitive and compassionate manner. A win-win for all those involved!

ECAD is a wonderful organization. Not only do they train assistance dogs for people with disabilities, for autistic children and for therapy centers and hospitals, but they use boys at Children's Village, a residential treatment center and school for boys, to do the training. Clients who receive the dogs are thus helped and the boys have the pride of seeing what their disciplined work over 18 months or more can achieve. We have worked especially with two dogs: Sierra, who is now living with and serving a 7 year old boy with autism, and Pumpkin, who is about to go to a hospital center in Florida. With Pumpkin, especially, we saw the results of ECAD's work. he went from being an opportunistic, difficult pup to a mature dog responding to many commands and giving great help.

I first heard of ECAD from a friend who desired to have a companion dog for her autistic sons. As we were able to take part by assisting with the funds needed for the training and then partnering of the perfect dog for her sons, it became evident that all the staff were kind, professional and very supportive of the entire process. It was a match made in heaven and it has enabled this entire family to venture out into the general population with much more security and confidence and saftey with the assistance of their companion dog. Things that were not a reality if it had not been for the great team at ECAD.

I have volunteered with ECAD for several rewarding years now. I view the program as a WIN-WIN-WIN. Service dogs are trained by at-risk youth (first WIN -- you should see the kids bond with these dogs, and from their experience learn patience and trust). Then the dogs are paired with persons with physical challenges (second WIN -- whether it is providing independence to an autistic child (and parents!) or much-needed physical and/or emotional support for a wounded veteran, the service dog adds quality of life for a recipient. Third WIN: the volunteer! Being a weekend handler allows me to have a trained, loving dog at my convenience. It is very rewarding, to say nothing of excellent exercise!

Imagine being the kid in the wheelchair, that has always felt like an outsider at school. Now, imagine being that same kid in the wheelchair at school -- but with a dog! The other kids now envy you and crowd around. You are no longer the kid with the disability -- you are the kid who GETS to have a dog. Big difference!

I was trained by ECAD 6 and a half years ago to work with therapy dogs as part of my job as a social worker in a residential treatment facility. I found the training I received as part of the program and the continued contact and communication with ECAD to be extremely helpful to my job. I utilize ECAD therapy dogs in individual sessions, group sessions, community activities, and treatment team meetings with my boys. The boys at MercyFirst have responded so well to the presence of the dogs and I am so glad to be a part of the program. The dogs help these severely traumatized boys feel safe and cared for in a way that no human can.

When I first herd about ECAD I couldn't wait to sign up.Before I signed up though, my parents wanted to see if I could volunteer at a more local facility.When that failed, my parents said I could finally fill the application and go with my friend to ECAD see what they do.When that day finally arrived, it was Sunday afternoon; I was wearing my pink polo shirt ( to look presentable), and got in my friend's car.We were off!When we arrived it wasn't exactly what I thought it would look like, but it was fine with me!My friend introduced me to everyone there, then soon I got the nickname, Pinky; (lol :) because of my shirt )! After a few weeks of going with my friend I was finally accepted into ECAD! I was then assigned a dog to work with and foster at my house (optional). He was a great dane lab mix named Valor. He was the best dog in the world! He was all black and literally my shadow (lol :D )! I fostered Valor for many weekends, he was always there for me, and was always a very good boy! Later my instructor told me he was soon moving on to the New York campus, I was sad that Valor was leaving, but happy that he was one step closer to becoming a service dog (and I was still able to see him sometimes when he would come back to the Connecticut campus). After Valor moved on to the New York campus; I wasn't particularly assigned to another dog I just got any dog that was there to foster and train. Later I went to Valor's graduation and saw him become an official service dog. To this day I still think of him often. I still do go to ECAD and foster and train dogs, and YES they still do call me Pinky at times, but it doesn't bother me.ECAD has changed me in many ways.Before I came to ECAD I wasn't patient, but now that I work with the dogs I have to be patient, I also feel more mellow and calm when I am around other dogs and people (Valor taught me that). Each dog has many purposes in life, taking a dog home to foster every once in a while, will teach me more lessons to learn about life,love, and lessons. I love coming to ECAD and always look forward to coming each week. I hope that someday I will help impact any people like ECAD has; I know it has for me, my family, friends, and the people whom are gaining independence.ECAD will impact your life too, if you give it a chance, and help them raise money, to raise more puppies, which will someday turn into service dogs that will help people in many ways.

i have a family member who has a companion dog. The union has helped him tremendously. The change I have seen in his emotional stability, attitude and happpiness has been so positive. ECAD does great work, which I am grateful for.

We began volunteering with ECAD last year as weekend home handlers. While having an incredibly smart, adorable dog in our home every weekend has brought us much joy, it was a recent "graduation" ceremony that truly demonstarted the power of this organization. To see the impact that these dogs have had on so many lives was awe inspiring. From the clients whose lives will be changed, to the home handlers whose weekends are made brighter, to the children trainees whose lives are enriched with responsibility, trust, and unconditional love, the community impact that ECAD delivers is nothing short of exceptional. Thank you, ECAD, for everything you do!

I work for Children's Village, which collaborates with ECAD. ECAD instructors train at-risk adolescents at our residential school to train assistance dogs for the physically handicapped. I have seen first-hand the transformation of our young men who work in this program. Not only do they develop a skill, but they learn patience, gain self-confidence, and experience the joy of helping someone less fortunate. Many Children's Village staff volunteer in this program, taking dogs home on the weekends to socialize them. I have been a volunteer for three years taking care of Ruthie, who is a breeder in the program and "works" in the pet therapy program.

I got invovled with ECAD as a compromise to my daughter who wanted a dog to love. ECAD provided that, but also allowed her to feel the joy of giving back to others who ultimately get the dogs we help train. The staff is committed, knowledgable and responsive. They also give back to the community by educating the public on these critical programs.

I have been an ECAD volunteer for about 4 years. ECAD has been an inspiration for me in showing how an organization can help so many people with so little. Not only do they provide excellent canines for disabled people, but they also provide excellent skills to the youths who train the dogs. These youths all come from different backgrounds but they have one thing in common in that they need guidance in order to succeed in life. I have seen numerous adolescents grow to be young adults that anyone would be proud of. They raise and train the dogs from puppies until about 2 years old and they take extreme pride in their ability to turn that puppy into a service dog that will enhance the life of someone in need, whether it be a military person with PSTS or a physical disability or a child with Autism or a severe physical handicap. The staff at ECAD is to be commended for their outstanding work and service. I have seen first hand how hard they work and how sincere they all are. They are truly deserving of any and all grants that might be available to them!

My husband and I have been ECAD Home Handlers for the past 2 years, taking dogs home for weekends. Everything about the ECAD program is impressive.....the staff (professional and helpful); the dogs (well trained, well taken care of); the boys at Children's Village (CV) who help train the dogs. We think the organization is a win-win arrangement: the dogs are eager to please; the boys at CV are involved in a very meaningful program; the clients are thoughtfully and carefully matched with dogs; and finally the client testimony is proof of the success of the program.

ECAD has been training student/residents at our facility for troubled teens. The students take great pride in their accomplishments of teaching dogs to to help those even less fortunate than them. Developing this sense of pride and mastery goes a long way to help our students become service providers not just service recipients.
This experience becomes a foundation and anchor for many teenagers who have not had these personal growth experiences.
It is always better to build on one's strengths than to continuously identify their shortcomings and the action of ECAD is the perfect model for our adolescents.

It takes a lot of work, unlimited patience, to teach dogs to assist humans, in a way that benefits both. This group does it with kindness, and commitment.

Teach a Dog to Heel, They Heal.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/the-healing-power-of-dogs/

I have worked for ECAD for almost two years now and it is the best thing that ever happened to me. Training these dogs is such a great experience; seeing them grow from little puppies to adult dogs ready to help a person in need couldn't be more satisfying. The people at ECAD are all nice and really make you feel at home. This program is doing wonders for our world not just because they're assisting those in need, but because they're giving them a friend that will love them unconditionally.

We acquired a beautiful service dog from ECAD in New York for our son, Nathaniel, in 2008 and it has been the best thing we've ever done for him. Nathan, now 11, suffers from mitochondrial disease, a life-threatening illness that robs the body of its ability to create adequate energy from food. The result is a general deficiency in nearly every system in the body-muscular, respiratory, immune, digestive, etc.

Nathan's beautiful golder retriever, Chief, from ECAD helps Nathan on a daily basis with the everyday functions most people take for granted. He helps Nathan dress by "bracing" for him so Nathan can have something to lean against and maintain balance. He picks up clothes and toys off the floor and brings them to Nathan. He helps hold Nathan's legs up to get his leg braces and shoes on. He alerts my wife and me at night if Nathan's breathing is irregular or if he's kinked his O2 tube. Above all, though, Chief is a faithful sentinel and friend at all hours, day or night. Hospital procedures are more bearable when a warm fur coat and cold nose are close at hand to give a nudge of encouragement as only a faithful dog can do.

There is a reason our family decided to drive all the way to New York from Michigan to get a service dog, and that reason is ECAD. The dogs' breeding lines are strictly maintained and the training is thorough and unparalleled. We sometimes see so-called service dogs from other organizations in our area when we're in public and they behave so poorly that we're quickly reminded again why we choose to go to ECAD for help.

I recommend them unreservedly and hope they will continue their success for generations to come.

We have an autistic son who is now 6 years old. We received our service dog in 2009.My wife and I found ECAD while researching service dogs on the internet and applied. After spending two weeks of extensive training with several dogs, we were paired with an older (3 yo) female because our son was the youngest to ever receive a service dog for autism.

Our search turned up several trainers with good credentials much closer to our home in Alabama. However, they would not place a dog with a child younger than 5. In our opinion, this was simply two years of wasted time and opportunity for improvement. Upon contacting ECAD, Lu, the trainer, shared our view and allowed us to interview for placement. It is this vision which sets this organization apart from the rest. And when you find out that they incorporate disadvantaged youths in the majority of their training process, the decision to choose ECAD is an easy one. Our dog, Sonic Boom, is now as much a member of our family as our children and as invaluable resource for our autistic son. She willingly accepts the burden of caring for our son in public situation, and removes most of our safety concerns. We continue to obtain the required yearly certifications from the ECAD staff.

I understand that they are currently creating a new "breed" of service dog with size, strength, and intelligence to place with disabled veterans returning from the middle east. This is just another example of how this incredible organization looks toward the future.

i have worked with ecad 2 years and i think they are a wounderful program. with out this program many people would feel helpless and would feel like they have no meening but ecad will and currently is bringing a brighter future.

I am a co-producer of several projects dealing with the special needs of individuals who have experienced trauma (see truerep.net). Several of the veterans in our films have service dogs. I have also done theatre/film projects working the people who support children who have fallen through the safety net of the foster care system. I have worked with people with emotional illnesses including autism. I am completely astounded by how ECAD heals the people who train their dogs (from kids with emotional challenges to teens at risk) and then send those dogs off to support individuals with all different kinds of disabilities, while the kids/young adults involved in training the dogs move forward with their lives, knowing they have given to the world as they, themselves, were healed .

ECAD trains superb assistance dogs for disabled individuals as they benefit and transform the children training the dogs. I have had the privilege to attend classes and graduations, as well as knowing some of the great people served by these wonderful dogs. ECAD is a kind of MatchMakers for the Gods...they just take all the healing potential to the highest place...every dog/human pair, whether in training or in life/placement, are taken to a new level of fuller and richer living.

ECAD not only helps the disabled gain independence, but also makes an incredible difference in the lives of at-risk boys who learn to train the dogs. They have the opportunity to experience unconditional love and do something for someone less fortunate.

They run the gamit in the broad spectrum of disabilities they serve...physical disabilities of the blind and amputees to the emotional and phychological scars of America's heros...our military sons and daughters...to the young children suffering with islolating condition of autism....what better to bring these folks than the dignity of being self sufficant again, and even better the unconditional love of a dog!!!

I have had the unique opportunity to watch ECAD evolve from the stepping stones of two people with a dream in a garage wearing the hats of founders, trainers, marketers, operators and executors placing four dogs a year, to establishing themselves within alternative schools systems, with a team of associates to support the dream, placing 15 dogs a year and making more and more milestones everyday. From the sidelines I have watched ECAD overcome hurdle after hurdle with the drive to succeed and make a difference in the lives of those who society has forgotten. The miracle of watching a person regain their independence, or those who were deemed "trouble makers" flourish to graduate high school and college, all of which is attributed to the involvement with ECAD. What was once a dream of two people, a husband and wife, a mother and father, a sister and brother, has now taken on a life of its own. This dream has become the dream of everyone they encounter, which is solely based on their compassion for others, and their selfless ability to never say "it-can't-be-done". ECAD is noted for saying, "For every dollar donated, for ever hour donated, three lives are changed." I can speak from experience, ECAD changes the lives so many more then the client, the dog, and the student. Being part of this organization as staff, volunteer, donor, sponsor, regardless of the hat the encounter wears, they will walk away touched, inspired, and benefited by the experience.

i am a combat oef veteran with physical and invisible wounds from my deployment to afghanistan. my army wounded warrior case manager took me for an interview after my application was received. the personal one on one provide to me and the interaction with 3 various types of service dogs is amazing. one can feel Lu and Barbara's sincerity and care they give of their selves for this wonderful organization.

Rebel helped me so that I didn't have to be on monitors all the time. I love Rebel very much. Miss Lu is nice.

I work with wounded Soldiers and Veterans from the Army who have both physical and psychological wounds. I met with ECAD after first hearing about service dogs and how they can assist with independence and overall well being for Veterans. The ECAD staff has worked with us in not only providing dogs for many of our Veterans in an amazingly short time. They have also helped many re-integrate back into a non-military world by giving them a new purpose and goals by encouraging them with jobs, training and most importantly a safe place to be. This is a great organization that not only provides a great service, but does it with such a caring manner and with such passion!

My name is Shanee Blanton and I became a home handler for several of ECAD's service dogs. Before I started as a home handler, we had to go through a full day of training. A friend of mine has a service dog named Elli that she got from ECAD almost 10 years ago, so I know how much service dogs can help people. When I got a chance to volunteer as a home handler, I was very happy and a little bit nervous, because I wanted the dogs to be perfect. The training was hard, but I learned a lot about dogs, and by the end of the day, I felt more confident that I would be able to help with the training. My favorite two puppies were Dunkin and Wasabi. Dunkin was our first puppy, about 7 months old. Because we have a very small car and, of course, Elli, Dunkin had to sit halfway on my lap for the entire 20 mile trip back to the house. By the time he left us to go on to "college", Dunkin knew how to walk well on a leash, work with distactions, turn the lights off and on, and of course, retrieve any object we needed. Even though Dunkin was a puppy himself, he was so good and patient with my 18 month old so, who is a little rough when petting him. Dunkin has graduated and is with a loving family, and I'm sure he makes one half of a great team. Wasabi was another one of my favorites. To get her used to being around a lot of people, she would sit outside with me and my son when school let out, playing "watch me" as hundreds of people walked past the house. She LOVED to get the phone, and would bring it to you right away. When someone rang the doorbell here, I taught her not to bark. It didn't take long to teach her because she is so smart. We're hoping to start working as home handlers again soon. In the meantime, we still have Elli here to give us some "puppy love."

ECAD is a wonderful organization. Everyone involved is there because they really care and are willing to do whatever is needed to make the organization succeed. Dogs receive excellent training and lots of love and attention so they can one day help someone with physical, social or emotional difficulties. They are trained by at-risk teens who learn dog training as a skill, but more importantly, they learn confidence, consistency and love. Seeing the pride on the faces of the kids is only surpassed by the client's expression of joy on graduation day. After rigorous training, the client feels more capable and independent as they go out into the world with their new best friend. I cry at every graduation when I see it come together for everyone involved.

ECAD is like the little engine that could. In a time when companies are struggling to make it, ECAD is continuing to grow and strive toward bigger and better things, without losing the Mom and Pop attention to detail and knowing the people they serve.

East Coast Assistance Dogs is a very unique organization. They help people with physical disabilities as well as developmental disabilities. They also provide dogs for our disabled service men and woman who have both physical and psychological disabilities from having served our country in a war. I have balance issues and have frequent falls. I know the emotional isolation of having a disability and look forward to the friendship of a service dog. I am also the mother of an adult daughter with autism. Service dogs provide an invaluable service to autistic individuals by helping them to use language skills and connect to others socially. I am so glad that dogs are now available to help autistic children. ECAD is helping so many people with disabilities achieve a better life!

This is a wonderful group that does as much as they can to help the disabled community by providing access to well trained service dogs. I went through a lot to get my service dog from another group. My friend found out about ECAD and got her dog much easier. Because of the demand for service dogs it can be a stressful time receiving the canine companion a person needs. From watching my friends I would say that ECAD does their best to streamline the process and get the dogs to the people who need them.