It’s a beautiful day today on the East Coast and Edison is ready to play! He wants to know if anyone wants to come over and play with him? Enjoy this beautiful Saturday weather, everyone. I think it’s safe to say that spring is definitely here. #day75of365

A piece of Edison’s food dropped on the floor. As he’s been trained to, he didn’t even react or touch it until I said "take it." Would your dog do that? #day76of365

Edison loves the car. So much so that he didn’t want to get out. Not a bad spot to take a nap! #day77of365

I have ropes hanging on the door handles throughout my house. Edison can tug on the rope to hold the door open for me and then release the rope when told to do so. That’s just one of the many ways Edison can help me in my home. Thanks, for all your help, pal! #day78of365

The most frequently used command/task that I ask Edison to do for me is pick up items from the ground. He is trained to pick up almost any item that you can think of. That includes pens, paper, business cards, credit cards and more! The retrieve command is a critical reason why I decided to get a Service Dog. I feel so much more confident having him with me and knowing that I don’t have to ask people to pick things up for me all the time! #day79of365

People always make comments to me about how sad Edison looks. Trust me, he’s not sad! It’s just that he’s working when his vest is on so his demeanor is on the serious side. He is doing important work for me so I expect no different. #day80of365

NEADS has partnerships with many correctional facilities located in New England. Edison was trained at Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Framingham, MA. He lived and trained with a female inmate for 18 months. She put so much hard work into shaping him to be the best helper. #day81of365

It’s National Puppy Day! Awww, look at what a cute pup Edison was. He was already training at the young age of 8 weeks old. Look at the adorable, small Service Dog vest! He had a blue themed uniform because he was in training. Now that he’s a professional, he’s dressed in red. Personally, I think the red suits him quite well! Have a great Saturday. #day82of365

It’s 5 PM so does what that mean for Edison?....Dinner time! He finishes his food (like any other Lab) in under 30 seconds! But first he has to wait and look at me, then I give him permission to “take it!” #day83of365

Over the weekend, Edison and I went to hear Sloan Wainwright at the Town Crier Cafe. It was a great concert, in such a nice and intimate setting. After the show our waiter came up to me and said that he would have never known that the dog was there. That’s always what I love to hear! When I’m in a public, Edison’s job (aside from helping me) is to be out of sight, out of mind. He did just that. I am constantly proud of my boy! #day84of365

A majority of the time when we are home Edison is not working but he is a huge help to me around the house when I do need him. Last night he was in my bedroom and I was in the kitchen. It’s just a matter of calling his name and he comes walking in ready to help. #neadsdogs #day85of365

And....he can close the refrigerator! So helpful when I’m navigating around the kitchen and have my hands full. He can open the refrigerator as well but I would need to have a tug rope attached to the handle, which I don’t have set up at the moment. #day86of365

What a great sight to wake up to each morning! Sweet boy. #day87of365

I absolutely love when Edison sleeps soundly. After all that he does for me every day, it’s so peaceful to watch and hear him dreaming away! #day88of365

Over two years ago, this was one of the pictures that I got from NEADS when I found out that I had been matched with a dog named Edison. I remember that call so vividly. I was in New York City, sitting in Starbucks— so happy that I was crying! I was alone that day and had no family nearby so I told anybody that was nearby. A year and a half of waiting was well worth it! #day89of365

Edison and I went to Boston, MA to visit a friend and see Pick of the Litter as part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival. He loved relaxing in the hotel room after a long day. Normally, he isn’t allowed on the furniture but once and a while he deserves a little vacation too, right? I allowed a quick trip up on the furniture with a “jump” command and then “off” as usual. #day90of365