JENNIFER & SAFFRON

I started puppy cuddling in the Fall of 2008 and by Spring I was the “bath girl” for the Advanced Dogs. I became the weekend Kennel Manager in June 2009. This was my first paid job in 12 years, as I had been on long term disability.

PADS helped give me my confidence back. I met people I am still friends with to this day! Most of all, PADS connected me with a very special Golden Retriever – PADS Released Dog Saffron!

It was love at first sight for both of us! She was my love, my heart and my Golden boy Murphy thought she was the best friend ever! Saffron may not have been ready for a life out in public but she was such a gift to me! I suffer from severe arthritis and anxiety- Saffron would press her warn body against my sore joints when she knew I was hurting. She also could smell the adrenaline that came before an anxiety attack and she would lie on my abdomen to provide deep pressure stimulation. She did all of this on her own.

I lost her in March of this year at 9 to cancer but I know PADS put us together for a reason! I am now working on my employer to let me take advanced dogs to work and I hope they give me a chance to show how service dogs can fit in to an organization! I have to say that PADS changed my life!