I recently got a very cute new dog that our family loved, but I was doing a very poor job of training him.  We couldn't really afford expensive training classes, but we eventually found a trainer on craigslist.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but when I talked to him on the phone he sounded like he really knew what he was doing and his training was affordable.  We scheduled him to come work with our dog Walter.

He pulled up to our house for the first time and started by explaining his story:

He was hit with a car as a pedestrian.  The result of this accident was the amputation of his right leg (explaining why he was in a wheel chair).  Through his healing experience his pitbull Brynn was his savior of sorts, being there for him both physically and emotionally.
 

Full Story on accident here ‌

This felt like a calling to him; to work with dogs and people on the very special bond that occurs between the two.



I have never met someone like Ryan.  He is inspiring to me, not even because of his accident, but because of the way that he understand, loves, and helps others understand dogs.  He very frequently donates his time to help others who are attempting to save troubled dogs.  He is amazing at what he does and even though it is his sole money earner, he is not in it for the money at all.  He does it because he genuinely cares for the dogs and wants to help as many as possible.  I am in awe of what he does, every day.

So why does he need a new wheelchair?  He recently did a training session with me and his co-trainer mentioned that he broke his wheelchair earlier that day.  A kind doctor donated an okay wheelchair, but I later found out that it did not even make it through the day, with all of the dog walking and activity that Ryan does.  It had two broken wheels by the end of the day.

Ryan never complained about breaking his first chair, breaking the second, or having to manage with whatever he is doing now.  He donates so much of his time that I know he cannot be a rich man and he would absolutely NEVER ask for help because he is so greatful for all he already has.

It is my wish to surprise Ryan with a strong reliable sports intended wheelchair so that he can better serve the dogs he trains.  I cannot think of anyone in my life, more deserving.

If you want to see more about what he does check out @dogsdecoded on instagram, but please do not ruin the surprise.