In the aftermath of the Boston marathon bombings, Susan and Mike Curtin were moved to take action and approached NEADS with the idea of creating a fund to provide Service Dogs for survivors of the bombings. Boston Duck Tours (BDT) joined the Curtins as lead donors, and the fund was named “Pawsitively Strong” through a naming contest among staff members at BDT.

NEADS worked in collaboration with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Victim Assistance Program and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance to identify potential recipients. Through this collaboration, the fund is now opened to include survivors of violent crime in Massachusetts who have a permanent physical disability as a result of that crime and who qualify for the NEADS program. Additionally, those who have applied and been accepted for an Assistance Dog are also eligible for the fund if the applicant works directly with survivors of violent crimes in Massachusetts.

Cindy Brown, CEO of Boston Duck Tours, recently reflected on the creation of the fund, saying, “I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since the Boston Marathon bombing and the Pawsitively Strong Fund creation. It’s another example of how NEADS can take the amazing work they do on a day-to-day basis and respond to a crisis with compassion, care, and generosity. It’s heartwarming to see this program growing and still supporting those in need.“

Ten years after the fund was established, both the Curtins and Boston Duck Tours remain deeply involved with NEADS, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their ongoing commitment to our mission.