When Adam was first introduced to Buddy, his Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Buddy was Adam’s very first service dog, and he wondered if there would be an instant connection. Those worries disappeared the moment they met.
“I didn’t know what to expect as he is my first service dog. I didn’t know if he would be happy to see me or if he would understand who I was. That initial meeting exceeded all of my expectations,” Adam recalled. “He came up and sniffed my hand and then instantly rolled on his side and wanted me to pet him,” he said.
That powerful bond has only grown stronger since that first meeting.
Daily Support and Lifesaving Tasks
Buddy plays an essential role in Adam’s everyday life. He helps Adam manage diabetes by waking him up from low blood sugars, and if Adam doesn’t respond, Buddy goes around the bed to wake his wife. He also assists with mobility, helping Adam get off the floor and navigate stairs safely.
Buddy is equally important in addressing Adam’s PTSD. During nightmares, Buddy places his paws on Adam’s chest and licks his face until he wakes. When Adam begins to feel anxious, Buddy flops over in front of him—tongue out, waiting to be petted—reminding Adam to pause and find calm.
One moment that highlighted Buddy’s dedication came during a dangerous low blood sugar episode. “He won’t relax even after waking me up from sleeping when my blood sugar is low,” Adam explained. “He will sit up and stay alert even after he sees me eating and wait to go back to sleep until he senses my blood sugar is back in a safe range,” Adam said.
Confidence, Independence, and a Newfound Freedom
Since being paired with Buddy, Adam has gained greater confidence in daily life. Sleeping is no longer filled with worry about missing an alarm. Buddy’s awareness in public spaces gives Adam peace of mind and helps him feel secure.
“It was hard for me to go shopping in crowded places or even go out to eat with my wife,” Adam shared about his life before Buddy. “It’s still difficult sometimes, but between my wife and Buddy, I can get through it,” he said.
Adam said that, with Buddy, he is now able to go grocery shopping on his own and take his kids out more often since he is more comfortable in public places.
A Message for Future Recipients and Supporters
For Adam, learning to live with a service dog required some adjustment—even after growing up around dogs. “I don’t shut doors in the house anymore until Buddy passes through behind me. He doesn’t want to be separated for any reason,” he said.
The changes Buddy has brought to Adam’s life extend far beyond assistance. “Having Buddy has helped bring me closer to becoming myself, being the husband my wife originally married, and being a better father for my kids,” Adam shared.
Make Our Mission Possible by Donating Today!
To those who make these pairings possible, Adam offers his gratitude:
“Thank you for giving me back confidence, independence, and the chance to be present for my family.”
To learn more about our recipients and how you can help in our mission, visit our donate page or contact us today!
Mrs. Borden’s expertise and accomplishments are acknowledged by numerous national awards from various industries and agencies including the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year and multiple awards for her organization’s work in mental health and suicide prevention.
She is frequently requested as a Keynote Speaker, and as an Industry Consultant to teach service dog laws to judicial systems, attorneys, and businesses, and to assist in service dog bills in multiple states that were passed into law. In 2020, she started an Institute for Higher Learning and the Borden Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she has written and teaches college-accredited/VA-approved apprenticeship courses on dog training and service dog training.
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