Michael and his Service Dog Honey

Michael was in a very dark place in his life begging his wife and doctors to permanently end it for him. He is wheelchair bound and on oxygen 24/7. Other than doctor appointments, he had not been out of his house in several years. Days went by that he didn’t have the slightest desire to get dressed or even get out of bed. Due to the severity of his multiple disabilities, he felt he had no reason to live. He had lost all self worth after being reduced mentally by PTSD and physically by MS. Compounded by osteoporosis and a serious fall breaking several ribs, the doctors didn’t expect he would even recover.

But then he was introduced to a little angel – a Guardian Angel, and things began to change.

From the moment he received his service dog, Honey, a new chapter in Michael’s life began. I could spend a lot of time telling you stories about all the remarkable and amazing things Honey has done for Michael to make his life complete. However, I will sum it up like this, Michael is now the ambassador for our organization because he wants to tell the world what an amazing difference Honey has made in his life. He doesn’t miss an opportunity to attend a speaking engagement or do an interview with a reporter. He has represented us at an event with 35,000 people and led over 250 people in the pledge of allegiance to the flag during the opening events of our last Passing of the Leash ceremony! Because of the amazing things Honey has done to help Michael from opening doors to go bring help, bringing him his cloths to get dressed, picking up any dropped item to waking him from night terrors and so much more, she was awarded a prestigious, engraved, bronze medal from the American Kennel Club recognizing her achievements as one of the top service dogs throughout the United States in 2011.

Michael’s wife described the union between Michael and Honey like this: “For years, I have loved, cared for and been Michael’s caregiver 24/7, yet there was never any comfort I could bring to him for his PTSD. When Honey the wonder dog came along, I found myself taking a back seat to her, but it was okay because that was the first time I had seen Michael be able to deal with all the demons and challenges that are brought on by this invisible but very damaging disability.

Michael and Honey were sponsored by The Harper Family Foundation.