I am so indebted to ARK Charities for finding and matching me with my beloved service companion and partner, Damon.  When I first contacted ARK, I was looking for a German Shepherd for service work. I had just begun having neurological issues. ARK took a tremendous interest, time, effort, and care in selecting the perfect dog for my disability, lifestyle, travel needs and home. ARK followed up with me repeatedly with updates and questions while searching for a match for me and my specific needs.  When Tina Zinn, President and founder of Ark Charities, called and to tell me she had the perfect dog, I felt complete trust in having spent months talking to her in many conversations about my needs. His arrival couldn't have been better timed.  Shortly after he was found as a match for me, my neurological disease diagnosis was confirmed.

Having Damon as my service companion has been an enormous blessing and help in my life in ways almost too numerous to count. This special dog, the training and bond, loyalty and companionship has made has made me feel less vulnerable and more empowered to get out in the world to participate in activities I had begun to shy away from as the symptoms of the disease progress.  Damon brings me brings me daily joy and unconditional love. He helps me focus on him and what we can do together instead of my limitations are.  He is always right beside me through thick and thin, ready to offer all he has and all he has been trained to do to make my life better. My family take comfort knowing that if I am out for a walk, that I am not alone. This gives me a greater sense of independence. Damon helps me with mobility support, neurological alerts, comfort, companionship and a calming influence no matter what the day throws at me.  He makes my life better in every way and I cannot imagine managing without him. I will be forever grateful to Tina Zinn and ARK Charities for choosing and matching me to my beloved boy.

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