19 Dec Featured Members: Ellen and Lucy!

When we first met Lower East Side native Ellen Retter, she had just adopted a young terrier name Lucy from North Shore Animal League. She had never before had a dog, and wasn't planning to get one, but she laid eyes on this scruffy blonde little terrier at the shelter and couldn't look away. They have been our clients for over a year now and we have so enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Recently, North Shore LIJ produced this video about how they helped Ellen conquer her hearing loss, which occurred after she had a brain tumor removed. The two things that have made it possible for her continue to live a normal life despite partial deafness? Her implant, and her amazing Service Dog, Lucy.

Lucy alerts Ellen to sounds when she does not have her implant turned on. In order to make sure that Lucy is a well-behaved Service Dog ambassador when she is on the town, Ellen brings her to School For The Dogs for lessons between two and four times a month. Lucy is particularly adept at learning tricks, and has even been in some commercial projects we've worked on. Check her out in this recent episode of the PBS show, Cyber Chase. She also was seen earlier this year in a CNN piece about School For The Dogs. What a star!

We are so glad to know this wonderful duo.