Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs (WAGS)

A Parent’s View of a Priceless Friendship

John Treiber

“Through your work you have blessed Ellie’s life beyond what words can express. Sophie is Ellie’s friend in a world that doesn’t offer many friends to her. She has learned to express many feelings through Sophie and her confidence with people has soared. People are attracted to Sophie and interact with Ellie as a result. Also, she has focused her attention and love on Sophie and will learn and do anything that benefits her relationship with Sophie, such as learning safety about cars in a parking lot or crossing a street safely. Ellie will go anywhere if Sophie comes. She expresses so many feelings verbally to Sophie that she probably would keep to herself if she didn’t have her best friend who loves her no matter what she does, how she does it, or whether or not she is different than everybody else. In a nutshell, everything is OK if Sophie is there! How can you replace that or put a price on it? As a parent watching your child experience joy and fun beyond what you thought would ever happen in her life is indescribable. Thank you. Your work has immeasurable value.”

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