Hello, my name is Alissa Berg. I would like to share a story about my friend Heather and her beautiful Golden Retriever named Mercedes (Sadie). Back in 2014, Heather and I met at Bergin University of Canine Studies where we both received an Associate degree in Assistance Dog Education. We were assigned dogs for the semester that we would take with us everywhere and learn to train for people with disabilities. I don't think Heather knew what kind of bond she was about to form when she was handed Sadie’s leash. While Sadie was in training with Heather, they made a lot of progress, however, not all dogs make it as a working service dog. In Sadie's case, she was too fearful to be able to work out in public for someone with a disability. When we graduated, Heather was able to adopt Sadie as her forever pet!

Sadie might not have made it as a service dog, but she has changed Heather's life for the better in more ways than we will ever be able to say. While she hasn't been a working dog, she gets to go to work with Heather every day and interact with Veterans and their families, bringing smiles to their faces as she does a "sit up" for a treat, or gives a "kiss" on the cheek. If you can’t tell, Sadie is by Heather’s side day and night!

This brings me to why I am sharing their story. On November 15th, Heather got a call from the vet that no one wants to receive. She found out that her best friend Sadie has Lymphoma (Cancer). Heather will go to the end of the earth for Sadie, and so will her mom, boyfriend, friend Christina, myself, and many others I'm sure. Every person Sadie and Heather have ever been around, know how much the two of them love each other. As Heather's mom says "Sadie won't even go to the bathroom without Heather!"  Even with all this heartbreak, Heather has to move forward and has started a treatment plan for Sadie (or Princess as she's known around here). She will receive chemo treatments once a week for 19 weeks. They are hopeful that this can give her 1 (hopefully 2) years of a happy comfortable life. If they don't do chemo, it’s expected that Sadie girl would only have up to 6 months to live.

None of us ever want to think of this happening to our four legged friends, but unfortunately, it does. The greatest thing we can do now for Heather and Sadie is to lessen the financial burden that Heather will face with these upcoming chemo treatments. 

Anything you are able to give, even if it’s just a prayer, is greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read their story.

Best wishes,
Alissa Berg