My Nonprofit Reviews

Our son received a golden retriever through North Star Foundation in April of 2016. We are so grateful to this organization and particularly it's founder Patty for their ongoing support. She continued to work with us as we struggled with finding the right trainer and was there every step of the way to help make sure we got the right fit for this pair. Our son was unexpectedly born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia and was successfully treated at MGH as an infant. He has struggled in school from the very beginning, in preschool teachers identified him as needing services and was put on an IEP in kindergarten. Due to motor delays along with ADHD and a communication disorder diagnosis he has had to learn to persevere in social and emotional areas. However, as he was nearing the middle school years we knew he would be facing an even more difficult phase of life. After he was suspended from school due a miscommunication poorly handled by a social worker not prepared to work in a classroom environment someone told us about North Star Foundation. Ever since we got involved with this organization things have turned around. We feel lucky to have one of their dogs and appreciate the positive changes it has made in all of our lives, but particularly our son who is now thriving in 7th grade. Patty has been a consistent support as needed with positive guidance and reassurance. Her work with animals and children is really revolutionary and she brings a unique skill set as a therapist and careful dog breeder. We have had golden retrievers before from a trusted breeder and family friend, the North Star dog we have now is even more thoughtfully selected. She is a beautiful animal and a wonderful companion. Thank you!