“Thank you for your generous support of Guiliani and I. We greatly appreciate your continued support of the great work that NEADS does for me and other disabled individuals. Without your support, it would be impossible for their good work to continue.

I received Guiliani in April of 2003. He is the most loving and gentle soul one could hope for. I’ve had an injury to my back that affects my legs, particularly the left. While I don’t need a wheelchair to get around, I do have some limitations.

Guiliani picks things up for me that I’ve dropped, turns lights on and off with his mouth, pushes elevator buttons, helps me take off my clothes if I need help, and if I feel a little wobbly when I’m walking, steadies me. He also carries things like my wallet, and cell phone in a backpack so I don’t have to carry a purse on my shoulder or back. These are just some of his “official” trained duties.

He seems to have taken on some “unofficial” duties of his own. Quinsigamond Community College employs me where Guiliani has taken to greeting and entertaining the students who come into the office. He loves to give my newborn grandson kisses and checks on him when he cries.

Guiliani shares his home with another NEADS dog, a hearing dog named Nina. He knows that Nina is the boss and its ok with him. He has even taken to picking up both his and Nina’s empty supper dish without being told to.

Guiliani has made my life much less difficult. When I drop something I don’t have to ask someone else to pick it up for me or cause myself pain by picking it up. When I feel wobbly, I don’t have to reach for the wall or fall down. If I’m having a day when the pain makes taking off my shoes and socks difficult, I can get help without having to ask my daughter or my partner to help me.

We have had some interesting encounters as well. I had a woman I’ve worked with for approximately six years tell me that she didn’t know I was blind. I guess we have a little more work to do in the way of educating the general public about helper animals and what they do.

The dog has also changed the way people approach me. People who previously didn’t stop to talk to me do now. I am very blessed to have Guiliani and am very grateful to NEADS. I would recommend a service animal to anyone who is disabled and is willing to play with, walk and work with his dog; or have someone who is consistently willing to help with some of these duties. It’s a symbiotic relationship; both animal and human need each other equally.

Sincerely,
Carrielynn Veroneau