In 2012 I was forced to resign from a teaching job that I loved, because of illness called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome which are multi system diseases that primarily affect my brain and my heart, resulting in mobility challenges.

At times, I faint as a result of abnormal blood flow. In 2020, I got out of bed one day and immediately fainted headfirst into a vertical beam and injured myself pretty badly. My cardiologist suggested I consider getting a service dog, and that’s when I discovered COPE.

Being paired with Lina in November 2023, has already changed my life for the better.

Some of the things Lina helps me with are:

Providing assistance when I have a fainting episode by RETRIEVING my phone so I can call for help when needed.

Laying across my legs, both at home and out in public, providing DEEP PRESSURE THERAPY, to help bring blood to the area before I stand, which significantly lessens my chance of fainting.

BRACING her body for me to rest on when standing in long lineups… And of course, giving me lots of hugs, kisses and snuggles when off duty.

An intangible that I didn’t anticipate, is the confidence I feel when out in public, with her beside me.

Hi, I’m Alexa.  COPE Service Dogs paired me with my dog TJ in 2022.  There are not enough words to describe how amazing he is and how much he has done for me.  TJ has changed my life by opening so many doors (literally and figuratively).  TJ can do so many things: opening/closing doors and cabinets, alerting to and interrupting skin picking and hand tremors, aiding with balance in many situations (something he does daily), picking up and carrying items, preventing me from falling and even assisting if I do fall to name a few.  He assists me in crowds by keeping enough space between me and others so that I am not pushed over.  He settles my panic attacks with his “visits” and has even learned to pick up on my spasms so that I do not fall and get hurt.

Aside from his amazing physical abilities, he has changed my outlook on life and has given me so much confidence and overall happiness.  Prior to our partnership, I used to dread public spaces for fear of being bullied (which I endured to the point of severe anxiety and depression for many years), embarrassed or pushed down in public.  Now, I have no issues in public spaces since he is always right by my side.

Prior to TJ, some daily tasks were nearly impossible.  Due to my condition, my hands drop nearly anything I pick up without warning.  There are some days when picking up a dropped item is impossible.  Having TJ there to do it is not only physically helpful, but mentally as well.  Having a simple face to face conversation was so difficult for me, but with TJ there, it is a breeze.  Before I was partnered with him, I had so many bad days, but because of him they are outnumbered by the good.

TJ is the difference between whether or not I can function at 100%.  I have lived with Cerebral Palsy my entire life.  For the first 18 years, I wished I could switch with someone else as my condition made even the simplest of tasks unexplainably difficult.  There were days where I could do nothing but cry.  In the time I’ve had TJ, I haven’t cried one tear about it.  If given the opportunity to switch, I’d decline because it would mean I would not have TJ.  He has made me able to live my life to the best of my ability, and my love and trust for him is much stronger than my dislike for Cerebral Palsy.  With him by my side, I can do anything.  He has taken me from surviving to living.  I cannot express how grateful I am to COPE for bringing TJ into my life and to TJ for being the most incredible animal I’ve ever met.

Hi! My name is Lizzy and I was matched with Henry. Before Henry and I became a team, my disability prevented me from doing many daily tasks and I was advised by doctors that I should not be alone due to my health issues.

Since Henry and I came home April 5 of 2023, he has surprised me with how much he has learned but also how much he has taught me. He has been by my side on the good days and the bad days and shows me nothing but love and support.

The tasks COPE has taught Henry has made my days easier and I have gained much more independence. But most importantly Henry has given me my confidence back. I am always amazed at the support Henry is able to provide me and how he allows me to navigate day to day activities much easier.

Henry’s passion and love to work reminds me to see the joy in every adventure we take together. There is nothing like working on a new command with your dog and seeing them light up with excitement when they do it on their own.

I am extremely grateful to COPE for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to the adventures Henry and I will continue to take together as a team.