Partners and Paws Summer 2022

Bruce and Hank (cont. from cover)

With his highly specialized training and task work, Turbo was able to give Bruce his independence back. Turbo provided balance and mobility assistance and alerted Bruce’s wife, Kelly, or his two daughters when he needed help with something. Bruce and Turbo were constant companions, and as a result, Bruce’s pain and anxiety dramatically reduced. The deep bond they formed changed everything. Not just for Bruce, but for his whole family….whether that was giving his daughters reassurance that their dad was okay on his early morning outings, or allowing his wife to advance her career. “After we got Turbo, I knew Bruce would be okay without me with him all the time. I was able to go back to school and become a nurse practitioner,” Kelly says. Turbo is a vital part of this close and connected family. So, when he began showing signs of slowing down, they made the decision to apply for a successor dog. This ensured Bruce would have the support he needed, while Turbo could transition into the role of treasured pet for his remaining years after a job well done. The matching process can take some time and depends on our expert staff identifying the right dog for the right candidate. Luckily for Bruce, at the exact right time he was waiting, a dog named Hank was on his own journey to meet his perfect partner. While Hank was in Advanced Training, his seasoned trainer, Carol Waters, knew that he had an innate ability to connect with his handler. With his sweet nature and expressive smile, Hank has a way of putting those around him at ease. It seemed like Bruce and Hank may make a great team, but when they met for the first time, it was clear that this was the dog that would join Bruce for his next chapter. During their recent Team Training, Bruce and Hank’s bond was evident and could be felt by everyone in the room. Now, this very special team, with Turbo watching, is continuing to grow together while they prepare for their graduation later this year. We can’t wait to see what is ahead for them as Hank continues the life-changing path that Turbo paved… the next journey for Bruce with his Saint Francis Service Dog by his side.

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