An assistant dog needs her own help after illness
By Karen Mann Journal Correspondent

Molly, a chocolate Labrador, is a graduate of Dogs for Disabled and Deaf American and lives with Patty Van Dyke. Westminster’s Town Secretary Betty Kazan offered Molly to the nationwide program. Courtesy Photo

Betty Kazan was trying to find a new home for her dog Molly.

Patty Van Dyke was looking for another chocolate Labrador service dog.

For the past two and a half years now, Molly and Van Dyke have been living together as a team.

Molly graduated from the NEADS (Dogs for Disabled and Deaf Americans) program in May of 2004.

NEADS, which is based out of Princeton, trains dogs to act as service dogs for disabled and deaf people. NEADS is also responsible for placing the dogs in their new homes.

“I thought maybe her calling was to help disabled people,” said Kazan, who serves as the Westminster Town Secretary.

Kazan had taken Molly to NEADS for a puppy-training course, so she was familiar with the facility.

“It was really hard to give up Molly, but I have no regrets,” said Kazan.

According to Sheila O’Brien, the executive director of NEADS, most puppies come into the program when they are eight weeks old and stay in their nursery for eight weeks.

From there, they are placed either in prisons or in foster families, because they are too young for training.

At one and a half years old, the dogs come back to NEADS, where they receive their formal training.

O’Brien said they then match the dog with a person. It is a nationwide program, and those interested in receiving a dog must fill out a four-page application, and then come in for an interview.

“The trainers then try to make a good match,” said O’Brien. “We look at a person’s lifestyle and their personalities (of the person and dog).”

The person stays at the facility for two weeks with the dog, at which time they train together.

Van Dyke, who is in a wheelchair, said Molly runs through the house every morning and picks up stuff. She also fetches the telephone, opens doors, turns light switches on-and-off, and carries bags for her.

“She is a companion, and an icebreaker,” said Van Dyke.

Molly and Van Dyke faced a problem this past September though Molly became very ill and was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia and Echiliosis, which is from a tic bite. She was also later was diagnosed with pancreatitis and developed an ulcer.

“She vomited a blood clot the size of a dinner plate,” said Van Dyke.

During this time, Van Dyke said Molly became listless and too tired to help her.

Although Molly was diagnosed as in excellent health the last time she went to the doctors, Van Dyke has another issue to deal with, veterinarian bills.

According to Van Dyke, the medicine Molly was given for the IMHA and Echiliosis cost $350 per 6 milliliters. Van Dyke still owes $2,100.

Van Dyke talked with Joyce Schmitt, who works in the resource development department of NEADS about setting up a Web site to help fundraise.

Van Dyke has raised $575 from the Web site, and $3,025 offline. She is more than halfway to meeting her goal of raising $7,000.

“Any donation is greatly appreciated,” said Van Dyke.

She received a $1,000 contribution from each the Labrador Life Line and the International Association of Assistance

Dog Partners.

The Cummings School for Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has offered Van Dyke a 20 percent discount on medical treatment for Molly.

Van Dyke added that the staff at Tufts is very helpful and understanding, especially Molly’s veterinarian, Dr. O’Toole.

Those wishing to learn more or donate to the cause can visit Van Dyke’s Web site at http://firstgiving.com/pattivandyke, or contact Joyce Schmitt at NEADS, (978)-422-9064.