Success Stories
Bob Breland and Phoebe

My name is Bob Breland and I live in West Jefferson NC. I am a retired Agricultural Extension agent. A car Accident in 2001 left me with a complete loss of eyesight. My body sustained many other injuries including extensive nerve damage to my arms, hips, and legs. Because of these injuries I am confined to a wheelchair most of the time but I am able to walk with a walker with assistance. My support network consists of family, church family, friends, and neighbors. I led a very active lifestyle prior to the accident when I enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and growing Christmas trees. Since the accident, I have been in physical therapy at a wellness center where my personal trainer provides motivation and challenges to keep me mobile. I am also challenging myself with Braille courses through the Hadley School for the Blind.

Now that I am working out twice a week and regaining most of the strength in my upper body, I am feeling a sense of wanting to be more independent and enjoy more physical activity. The more I can help myself, the more I value my self-worth.

I recently learned about assistance dogs through NLMAD. I attended a "get acquainted" and informative meeting to learn about the program. I realized that this was a solution for me to move forward into the next stages of living independently. The dog chosen for me is Phoebe, a golden retriever being raised by puppy raisers Jim and Sue Taylor.

Please help me be partnered with Phoebe and send a donation to NLMAD. Thank You!