September is officially National Service Dog month.
This, following a proclamation from Governor Shapiro's office.
6 New spoke with a Cambria county resident who has a service dog and says this proclamation means so much for her and others who have or need a service dog.
“National Service Dog month is about celebrating the incredible work that you know service dogs do and how they enhance our quality of life,” said Jessica Gardner, a service dog advocate.
Channel 6 introduced you to Jessica and her service dog Ford a few months ago when she was participating in a local fundraiser to benefit service dogs.
“I got Ford through Canine Companions," said Gardner. "So, I always tell people that the matching process is kind of like The Bachelor, but instead of receiving a rose you receive a helping paw and a wagging tail. They are a national nonprofit, and they provide service dogs free of charge to adults, children and veterans with disabilities.”
Gardner tells 6 news she's been partnered with Ford for the past 6 years and throughout those years she has found independence.
“My wheelchair is like my legs, but Ford is like my arms,” Gardner added. “He gives me independence every single day. He helps me, he helps me open doors, he can get a soda out of the fridge for me, he can pick up dropped items, he can put my footrest up so I can transfer; he’s a game changer and I wouldn’t be where I am in my advocacy journey without him by my side.”
Gardner says it costs about fifty thousand dollars to breed, train and raise a service dog.
She also says puppy raisers are needed, adding there's about 600 people currently on the waitlist for a service dog.
“If we get puppy raisers that list will go down dramatically and it's my heart’s desire to get a puppy raiser or two or more from the Johnstown or surrounding areas,” Gardner said.
Gardner says she would like anyone who needs a service dog - for one reason or another - to have the ability to experience what having that level of independence and companionship really is.
“National Service Dog month is, its just celebrating what these amazing dogs do and how they bring independence and it’s about raising awareness,” said Gardner.
Gardner tells 6 News State Representative James Rigby is going to present the proclamation to the Western Pennsylvania Canine Companion's Chapter at his Johnstown office later this month.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfmLKtscGrmK2hnpx6r63ToqanmZxiwKa%2B1aKanmWUpLRuuc6nq6Flk5a6o77ImmScp6Wjwbp50Z6qopyVo8Fuv8eaqZ6rXZ2ys3nJqKyrppWuerW7jKKlnZ2gmrulsc2cnGavmam1br%2FEq62im5VisbCzjJ%2Bmq5w%3D