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Media Coverage 2017

Read our archive of selected media coverage about NEADS World Class Service Dogs. If you would like to write or film a story about NEADS, please contact us.

Worcester Telegram & Gazette: NEADS dog who aids Marathon bombing survivor gets top ASPCA award

Oct 23, 2017

by Elaine Thompson, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: A service dog trained by Princeton-based NEADS is the recipient of the ASPCA 2017 Dog of the Year award. The dog, Rescue, provides essential support to Jessica Kensky, who became a double amputee as a result of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Rescue’s assistance for Ms. Kensky includes opening doors, fetching objects, calling for emergency help and many other tasks. At the same time, Rescue also provides Ms. Kensky and her husband, Patrick Downes, with invaluable emotional support and comfort that has helped transform their lives after the tragedy.

Pew Charitable Trusts: Tightening the Leash on Fake Service Dogs

Oct 16, 2017

Michael Ollove, The Pew Charitable Trusts: Incidents like one that occurred in Reading, MA have spurred 19 states to enact laws cracking down on people who try to pass off their pets as service animals. The push has been gathering steam in recent years: Virginia implemented its new law in 2016, and Colorado followed suit this year. Massachusetts is now considering a similar proposal. Full Story

The Boston Globe: A hard look at the special role of service animals

Sep 16, 2017

Gerry DeRoche, in a Letter to the Editor, The Boston Globe, writes: Fakery puts the work of true service dogs in jeopardy. On behalf of NEADS World Class Service Dogs, our clients, and all legitimate working service dog teams, as well as the general public, I want to thank you for your editorial “No support for fake service animals” (Sept. 11) and the clear, thoughtful presentation of the growing issues surrounding fake service dogs. Full Story

CBS Boston: Bill Would Penalize People For ‘Fake’ Service Dogs

Sep 14, 2017

Doug Cope, CBS Boston: Advocates for service dogs for the disabled were at the State House Tuesday, lobbying for a bill that would penalize those who say their animals are service dogs when they’re not. KateLynne Steinke of Falmouth and her dog Jones were among those in favor of what’s been called the fake service dog bill. Full Story