About Us:

Hi, my name is Taplan. For the past six years, I have had the privilege of being partnered with the most incredible service dog, Peach. He has been so much more than a dog. Since day one, he has been my independence, my safety, my confidence, and my constant companion. Because of him, I was able to travel independently, navigate the world safely, and live a life that would not have otherwise been possible. He has saved my life on more than one occasion, and there will never be enough words to express what he has given me.

In August of 2024, Peach was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease in which the body's immune system damages the tiny filtering units within the kidneys. Over time, this causes protein to leak into the urine, placing incredible strain on the kidneys, and can ultimately lead to kidney failure. While the diagnosis was devastating, Peach was still happy to work. We simply adjusted his workload to match what his body could handle. Our outings became shorter and he was given plenty of breaks to rest. Most importantly to Peach, he continued doing what he loved most, taking care of me.

Then, in February of 2025, just days after my 33rd birthday, my whole world changed.

Peach became critically ill overnight. We rushed him to the emergency veterinary hospital, nearly unresponsive and unable to walk or bear weight on his own. After two terrifying weeks in the hospital, where we were told multiple times he would likely not survive, he was diagnosed with immune-mediated polyarthropathy (IMPA). IMPA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing severe inflammation, pain, swelling, and loss of mobility. Treatment requires powerful immunosuppressive medications that intentionally weaken the immune system to prevent further damage.

While those medications saved Peach's life, they also marked the end of his working career. Because of his suppressed immune system, he can no longer safely work in public or be around dogs outside of those already in our home. We didn't even know his last day working was his last day.

In an instant, Peach's world became much smaller, but mine did too.

For six years, Peach has made it possible for me to go wherever I needed to go safely and independently. After his retirement, I found myself staying much closer to home, unable to venture out alone, and waiting until my partner was available before I could safely exist in public spaces. Losing his ability to work wasn't just a loss for Peach, it fundamentally changed my daily life too.

When Peach was miraculously released from the hospital, we were told that his condition was terminal. His specialists couldn't tell us how much time we had left. It could have been another week if his IMPA flared again, or it could have been a year or more if he remained stable.

Since then, we've been incredibly grateful for every extra day. He's experienced several flare-ups that we've been fortunate enough to manage, but his kidney disease continues to progress. His urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) levels continue to rise, and we're reaching the limits of what can safely be managed with medication.

Peach has given me everything. Because of that, we have always, and will always, prioritize his health, happiness, and comfort above anything else. His well-being comes before my need for a working dog. He deserves the cushiest end of life possible. However, as difficult as it is to acknowledge, it's also important to be realistic about my future needs so that, when the time comes to say goodbye, I have a plan in place rather than facing both overwhelming grief and the continued challenge of my loss in independence.

Earlier this month, I was approved for a standard poodle puppy from a highly reputable breeder in Colorado Springs who has extensive experience producing and temperament testing dogs for service work. This approval is simply the first step. The timeline is entirely dependent on Peach. We will not bring home a puppy until he lets us know he's ready to make that transition.

Even writing those words feels impossible.

Thinking about another service dog breaks my heart. Since receiving that approval, I have cried every single day. I cannot imagine another dog ever living up to Peach. He changed my life in every possible way, gave me freedoms I never thought I'd have, and has saved my life more than once. There will never, ever be another Peach.

But because he loved his job so much, I know he would want me to have the same safety, independence, and freedom after he's gone that he worked so hard to give me throughout his life.

Raising and training a service dog is an enormous financial commitment, from purchasing a well-bred puppy to veterinary care, training, equipment, and countless other expenses over the next approximately two years before the dog is fully trained. If you're able to contribute, no matter the amount, your support will help make this transition possible and ensure that I can continue living as independently and safely as possible while giving Peach the retirement he has more than earned.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Thank you for caring about Peach the Wonder Doodle, the incredible dog who changed my world. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering a donation to help me begin this next chapter while cherishing every moment we still have together.

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