Don was afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy for most of his life, but he did not allow his disability to slow him down. 

These are some of the great things that Bree can do for a disabled partner:

Tracey was midway through Bree’s training when the unthinkable happened.  Don passed away from a complication of surgery.

Having lost her desire to continue Bree’s training, Tracey chose to place her with someone who would be able to use her to her fullest capacity.  But, although she did some local advertising, she was unable to find someone who was interested in taking on the last stages of her formal training.  Anyone who understands how much work goes into a dog’s initial training as a Service Dog would find that situation unbelievable. 

I saw an ad about Bree on an internet message board.   I felt that we could continue Bree’s training and also identify the appropriate person to adopt Bree as a Service Dog; someone who was interested in our Committed Canine program, but who did not already have a dog identified.    Tracey felt that it was a great option for Bree.  We agreed upon a few details.   My husband and I would continue Bree’s care, maintenance and professional training without transferring that cost to Bree’s new owner (we would absorb those costs for as long as she resided with us).  Bree would be made available to an appropriate, highly deserving individual for no more than the cost that I paid Tracey for her adoption with the understanding that the new owner would also enroll Bree into our Committed Canine program to finish Bree’s training as an “Owner Trainer”.  This allows a deserving individual the opportunity to acquire an incredible dog for a very reasonable fee.    I traveled to Detroit, MI to acquire Bree in November, 2008. 

Tracey felt that Bree would work best with a male with a fairly strong personality.  I tend to agree that Bree’s bold personality would best fit someone with a fairly outgoing nature.  Veterans tend to make exceptional candidates for our program as the challenge to achieve the goals of training a Service Dog fit well into the typical personality of a former soldier.  Bree can assist a person who is wheelchair bound, or who has mobility issues, such as those which are a result of the use of a prosthesis. 

In December, we received a generous donation from Carl Reid of Northbook, IL to cover  Bree's adoption fee.  This means that Bree's new partner will only be responsible for the course enrollment fee for the Committed Canine class at DarnFar Ranch.

We are happy to announced that BREE's new partner has been identified (8/2009).

CLICK HERE to read an article about her placement with her new partner in the Leader Union, Vandalia, IL.

Video of Bree in Training at DarnFar

Video of Bree with her new owner during a Committed Canine class