Seattle -
We've all heard the saying "dogs are a man's best friend", but for some the animals mean a whole lot more.
A local group trains our four legged friends to help those with disabilities lead more fulfilling lives. "Summit Assistance Dogs" recently paired up golden retriever Titus with Eric Rea of Edmonds.
Rea led a very active life style until he was paralyzed in a skiing accident in 1998. He lived for 11 years without the help of an assistance dog, but decided to get one about three months ago.
Titus helps Rea with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, opening doors, turning on lights and picking things up off the floor.
"If I have to ask people to do things for me it puts me at a disadvantage, and so he helps out with that and it means a lot for me," says Rea.
The video game designer says he spent many years in and out of depression, often shying away from socializing and doing things outdoors.
"I was very angry and for a long time felt very sorry for myself," says Rea.
But since Titus came into his life, Rea says he is getting out for hikes and taking Titus to the dog park. And importantly, Rea is meeting people again.
"Yeah, he's a real chick magnet. I have complete strangers come up to me and want to pet or talk about him and it's really pretty fascinating people I've met who I never would have before because of him."
Titus got his start with "Summit Assistance Dogs" as a puppy. Usually trainers start working with the dogs when they are nine weeks old and teach them up to 80 skills over the course of two years before they are matched. The dogs help people who are paralyzed, deaf and blind.
"I can't imagine not having him," says Rea. "He's got me out doing things I might not do. He's really a joy and he brings happiness to all parts of my life."
"Summit Assistance Dogs" got its start in March 2000, and in that time has matched 45 dogs with people from Oregon, Washington and California. The organization is a non-profit and relies on donations from the public to stay afloat. If you would like to help, call (360) 293-5609.
A local group trains our four legged friends to help those with disabilities lead more fulfilling lives. "Summit Assistance Dogs" recently paired up golden retriever Titus with Eric Rea of Edmonds.
Rea led a very active life style until he was paralyzed in a skiing accident in 1998. He lived for 11 years without the help of an assistance dog, but decided to get one about three months ago.
Titus helps Rea with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, opening doors, turning on lights and picking things up off the floor.
"If I have to ask people to do things for me it puts me at a disadvantage, and so he helps out with that and it means a lot for me," says Rea.
The video game designer says he spent many years in and out of depression, often shying away from socializing and doing things outdoors.
"I was very angry and for a long time felt very sorry for myself," says Rea.
But since Titus came into his life, Rea says he is getting out for hikes and taking Titus to the dog park. And importantly, Rea is meeting people again.
"Yeah, he's a real chick magnet. I have complete strangers come up to me and want to pet or talk about him and it's really pretty fascinating people I've met who I never would have before because of him."
Titus got his start with "Summit Assistance Dogs" as a puppy. Usually trainers start working with the dogs when they are nine weeks old and teach them up to 80 skills over the course of two years before they are matched. The dogs help people who are paralyzed, deaf and blind.
"I can't imagine not having him," says Rea. "He's got me out doing things I might not do. He's really a joy and he brings happiness to all parts of my life."
"Summit Assistance Dogs" got its start in March 2000, and in that time has matched 45 dogs with people from Oregon, Washington and California. The organization is a non-profit and relies on donations from the public to stay afloat. If you would like to help, call (360) 293-5609.
