As an accomplished tennis instructor, father and family man, with a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a career computer tech, my life changed overnight after I was hit by a truck that rendered me a paraplegic.

I had a new lifestyle to deal with and new challenges. I needed a drastic change of attitude as well as an action plan when it came to being disabled. I didn’t want to depend on anyone for my everyday care and I refused to let any conversation veer toward sympathy. As time went on and the reality of my disability set in, I gained a new respect for people who are disabled. My doctor suggested that I look into getting a service dog to support me.

I knew that dogs are affectionate and loyal, but I soon learned a trained service dog can offer greater independence and self-confidence. I talked to many people and after serious consideration I decided to start the process of applying. I was impressed with what I found out about Support Dogs, Inc., so I started the process. I sent in a video about my life, sharing why I needed a service dog. Once my application was accepted, I was put on a waiting list. About eight months later I received a call from SDI asking me to come for training.

My first day at Support Dogs, Inc. was exciting, even though I was a little scared. I was happy to see the care and love that the dogs receive from the staff, and they were friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer my questions.

Next, I learned the commands necessary to manage my dog. Then I had the pleasure of being matched with Merlin. He had lots of energy, and we worked well together and bonded quickly. I soon started to feel confident in my training and with Merlin. He’s been trained to carry my bags, ride in an elevator, and hold open a heavy door so that I may enter the building.

On graduation day, many people were there to celebrate, including Merlin’s volunteer puppy raiser, Debbe Goldie. Merlin must have remembered her from the way he wagged his tail. When my name was announced, I received my certificate knowing that Merlin and I were now an official team. We had made it! 

Once home, we began to adjust to our new life. Merlin wasn’t just a companion—he was a part of my life now. I began to understand his personality and realized that he “talks” to me in his own way. Yet when it comes to work, Merlin is a totally different dog. He stays close to my side at all times and is quick to respond to my commands. He looks after my needs and accompanies me everywhere I go—to work, shopping, and doctor visits.

I now work for an Internet company called Disaboom, an online community for the disabled. Everyone at the office loves that I bring Merlin to work, and he has a nice spot under my desk. My third-floor office location posed a problem one day when a fire alarm sounded in the building. Naturally, the elevators shut down and I was unable to leave the building. I had to wait at the top of the stairs for help. Merlin wasn’t trained to handle fire alarms that I knew of, but overall, he did well, staying at my side the whole time until coworkers came to my aid. They carried me and my chair down to the ground level.  Merlin continued to look out for my well-being while staying at my side.  These are a few of the events that have happened during our first year together.

Merlin’s birthday was last August and he is now 2 years old. Merlin has helped me to become fully independent and has magically uplifted my spirit toward life. Because of Merlin, I am a better person.

Support Dogs, Inc. (SDI) is located in St. Louis, Missouri. SDI places dogs nationally and each year will place 15-20 dogs like Merlin free-of-charge to deserving individuals with disabilities. This is made possible through the generosity of SDI’s supporters across the nation. To learn more about this and other programs provided, visit Support Dogs, Inc.

First published by, and used with permission of, Assistance Dogs International (ADI).