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October at NEADS
The air is getting crisp and the foliage is out in full force. Here at NEADS, we love the fall! Our dogs are working hard, learning tasks, and being taught to behave well in public. But they also have time to be… well… dogs! There’s nothing quite like seeing a puppy romp in a pile of leaves.
We have a steady rotation of clients living in our client house, and it is so heartwarming to watch each person fall in love with his or her new assistance dog during their two weeks of training. They arrive on campus as individuals, but they leave Princeton, Massachusetts as one member of a bonded pair.
We’re looking forward to celebrating Veteran’s Day on November 11. Read the story below about one of our Canines for Combat Veterans clients Chris Maddeford to learn just one example of how our dogs can help our nation’s wounded service men and women.
And don’t forget, we love to hear from you! Please send your story submissions or feedback to lbrown@neads.org
This eNewsletter was created with special help from Crystle Chase.
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Veteran’s Day is November 11
Canines for Combat Veterans client Chris Maddeford shares his story
I am an Army Veteran that served in "Operation Enduring Freedom". After sustaining life-changing injuries overseas, I lost myself, did not feel normal and most of all lost all HOPE. In 2009 a recreation therapist from the Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) suggested that I look into the NEADS Canines for Combat Veterans program. Little did I know what this would do for my life. I went to NEADS for my initial interview and I knew after being shown around and getting some information that this was definitely for me, but I still did not know who would be the one to change my life in so many ways. I soon found out that I would be getting "AJ"; AJ is the American Labrador that saved my life. AJ and I became an official team in 2009. Soon after getting AJ I was able to get back out into civilian life.
Me and AJ were a team, which was something I was missing since I left the military. I knew if anything went wrong AJ was right by my side to help me. Since having AJ I have been able to get into a relationship and I am now engaged to be married. I was able to get a job for the state of Massachusetts as a veterans’ outreach coordinator on the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Empowerment team doing suicide prevention. AJ was not just helping me at work but also with all of the veterans I interacted with. While working at the state I received an award from Congress for my work with veterans, and this was all possible because of AJ. Me and AJ went on to work for the Bedford VAMC where AJ would go around and visit all the veterans. AJ has truly saved my life. If I did not get him I don’t know if I would be doing as well as I am now or even alive.
Chris Maddeford
NEADS provides assistance dogs to qualified United States veterans at no cost. We can only do this because of your continued support. To help our nation’s wounded veterans, consider contributing to the Canines for Combat Veterans program.
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"A service dog is more than just a friend who is by my side wherever I go. No, a service dog is much more than that. A service dog is like being the mayor and having a key to every building in the city.
A service dog is a door that leads to independence."
Randy, about his
assistance dog Jethro
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 The Puppy Diary —
Arrival at the Puppy House Each month, black lab puppy Liberty shares her experiences in the NEADS training program!
I arrived at this place called the NEADS puppy house this morning. I left my mom because my breeder said I have important work to do. There are tons of toys and other puppies and I even made some new human friends. They brag about me to each other, about my potential and progress. We play get the paw and touch the tail a lot. And they say my name like I’m the only puppy in the universe. It makes me feel so confident! A woman named Cindy said "Liberty shows great potential; a highly effective listener." My name is Liberty, and I can do anything!
Next month Liberty will share what her life at the puppy house has been like.
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This eNewsletter was generously sponsored by 
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NEADS GRADUATION!
Sunday, November 18, 2012 2PM
Four Points Sheraton, Leominster, MA
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"I’m a fulltime puppy raiser who’s currently raising my 7th NEADS puppy. I’m so honored to be part of an organization who does so much to help
people I consider to be true heroes –– people who are going on with their lives despite great obstacles and challenges."
Kathleen Whalin,
puppy raiser
Learn more about
NEADS puppy raisers
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 Purchase the above NEADS windbreaker for $40 to wear your support for a great cause!
Email retail@neads.org
to place your request.
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