Help Peg Get a New Hearing Dog in Memory of Echo

On Thanksgiving this year my Mom, Peg, tragically lost her service dog, Echo. Echo was her sidekick and the best companion she could ask for. Echo was able to match Peg’s abundant energy step for step, and for those of you who know my Mom, that is hard to do.

Echo came into our lives as Peg’s second hearing dog 8 years ago, but was so much more than that. She gave my Mom back her independence. Echo was trained to alert Peg to danger she could not hear, wake her up in the morning, let her know when her cell phone rang, when the doorbell rang, when the kitchen alarm timer went off and so much more. Being deaf presents many difficulties for my Mom, but having Echo in her life greatly alleviated the impact of the issues she has to face in her day-to-day life. Echo absolutely loved to work and keep herself busy, even going so far as picking up the tape off the floor at Peg’s office, delivering notes to the front desk, picking up keys and any other item Peg (or anyone else in the area) happened to drop.

If there was one thing that Echo loved as much as working hand in paw with my Mom, it was competition (I wonder where she learned that from). She loved competing in all sorts of dog sports from agility (obstacle courses), obedience (she may have had a bit of an advantage), nose work (finding scents), and FastCAT (100 yd dash for dogs). Echo’s favorite part of all these sports was that she got to compete at my Mom’s side. But even then, her job came first. Almost without fail, if Echo was in her crate and she wasn’t able to see Peg, she would manage to break out and find her human to make sure that she was safe and sound. It was her job.

Echo touched the lives of everyone she ever came into contact with, and no other dog could ever take her place. But Peg still needs help. It is impossible to fully explain the profound impact Echo had on my Mom, and how much better she made her life. There will never be another Echo, but for my Mom’s sake, we must find her another service dog. This is no small feat. It is expensive and time consuming to properly train a service dog. We are asking for your help to cover some of the expenses which will be incurred, such as purchasing a dog, training, certification, etc. We know most of you witnessed the amazing bond Mom and Echo shared. Everyone saw how inseparable the two of them were, and many of you were likely victimized by Echo for treats and/or attention. We are asking for your help in funding a new service dog for Peg. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated. We know nothing can bring Echo back, but we can still help Peg retain her independence with a new pup. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.