Joan, who is utilizes a wheelchair due to MS toyed with the idea of a service dog for many years. She and her husband Rich, who live in Saco, ME had two rescue dogs.  Joan contemplated training a rescue dog but after consideration realized she needed a professionally trained service dog to meet her needs.

Joan’s friend Suzan had recently been matched with her service dog, Friday from ACTS and encouraged Joan to reach out.  Suzan was impressed with the amount of training both she and Friday had received and highly recommended us.

“Once I met with the ACTS volunteers, it was their commitment to their work and their love for the dogs that sealed the deal for my husband and me. We love the people and the organization from the moment we met them.  ACTS truly wants what's best for the service dog team. I can't say enough good things about ACTS. We just love them!” 

Since Debit came into Joan’s life, he has made a huge impact.  According to Joan, “Debit just wants to help me in any way he can. One of the first things I taught Debit to do was to lower the footrest on my wheelchair. This task is difficult for me to perform due to poor balance and stiff muscles. When Debit hears me lowering my wheelchair, he comes running from wherever he is in the house because he KNOWS it’s time to work. 

“There are also the things that Debit innately knows to do. Such as when I fall out of my wheelchair and call for my husband. If Rich doesn’t hear me, Debit goes to Rich and gives an urgent bark. Rich instantly knows I need help thanks to Debit’s keen sense of service. There is certainly some Lassie in my sweet Debit”.

In addition to the many things that Debit does to assist Joan physically he also helps her connect to people.  Debit has fans at Joan’s usual destinations such as her local grocery store and library.  Wearing a sign on his vest that says, “please ask to pet me.”, once Joan gives her OK, Debit is able to greet people and especially enjoys children.  On one recent occasion, a mom with two young boys asked if they could pet Debit.  Petting Debit, the mom looked up and said, “This is just what we need right now.” 

Joan summed up her feelings, “Debit is more than a service dog. Just by being who he is, he makes people smile and spreads joy in the world.  Debit and I make people smile wherever we go. His devotion to me is unmatched. People are in awe by it”.

Joan and Debit’s amazing relationship was made possible by our volunteers and donors.  Our service dogs open the world to our clients.  They provide for both physical needs and encourage meaningful interactions with people who otherwise might not connect with them.

The human dog bond is tremendous, and we see it daily in our work to train dogs but most importantly we see it when our dogs are placed with our clients.  Not only do our amazing dogs help our clients become independent, but they also become family.  Your help makes this possible.

ACTS’s relationship with our clients does not end when team training concludes.  We stay with our service dog teams for their lifetime, offering support and guidance.  “I was told once you are part of the ACTS family, you are always a part of the family. And that has certainly been my experience.  ACTS is always there when I have questions or need advice”, said Joan.