From Our Blog
Hospitalization and Recovery during a Pandemic
The pandemic has been difficult for all our TAD* veterans, but one client in particular, Rebecca, found herself in an extremely tough situation. A few months prior to the pandemic, she had to make the hard decision to have her second leg amputated. She had only had her Service Dog, Sully, for about 4 months at that time and was clearly worried about what to do with him while in the hospital…
Connecting in a Time of Isolation
When Covid-19 hit, we knew that connecting with as many clients as possible was important, particularly the veterans with PTSD in our Trauma Assistance Dog (TAD) program. Talking to these veterans, it was apparent that the isolation and stresses of quarantine, stay-at-home orders, and social distancing brought on by the pandemic was getting to them…
Training Town Trip
NEADS Director Training, Kathy Foreman, along with Apprentice Trainers Michelle and Michael, took 3 Service Dogs in Training on a town trip to Leominster last week. Training opportunities are everywhere if you know where to look. Nice weather helps.
VA Service Dog Benefits
You are eligible to apply for the VA Service Dog Benefit if the reason you have the Service Dog is service-connected. The Service Dog must also be provided to you by a fully accredited organization through Assistance Dogs International (ADI) for PTSD, Hearing, and Physical Service Dogs, or International Guide Dog Federation for Guide Dogs.
79th Graduation – Spring 2020 Reimagined
We didn’t meet in person this year to celebrate our most recent Service Dog and Assistance Dog teams, but we did come together as a community for a virtual celebration.
NEADS – Here for Veterans
A message from NEADS Program Development Administrator to all our veteran clients and applicants.
If Vegas Could Talk
When Harvard University closed its campus in mid-March, Full-Time Puppy Raiser and Harvard student Amanda had to return home. Vegas is now living with NEADS Trainer Magen Blake, where he is continuing the work he started with Amanda. Amanda wrote Vegas a parting letter, and we’ve written what we imagine would be his reply if he could talk.
NEADS Plans Special Delivery for Patients at Franciscan Children’s Hospital
To celebrate the release of our new coloring and activity book, Let’s Go with NEADS Service Dogs Arnie and Zara, NEADS will be donating 1 copy for every book purchased to Franciscan Children’s Hospital (up to 200 copies). Written and designed by our own Lori Barrett, NEADS Creative Media Specialist, this fun and educational “A to Z” activity/coloring book is centered around words and phrases related to Service Dogs…