Success Stories
Lyle and Ozzie

Ozzie is of very great sentimental value to New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs as he was the founder's first assistance dog. Ozzie helped Karen walk and remain independent for five years. He was Karen's "Wizard of Oz."

In 1997, a heart-stealing dog named Jessie became the catalyst for Oz's retirement. Ozzie gracefully stepped aside, but he missed his working life. However, he remained of great benefit to New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs as a demonstration dog to help teach the new shining stars how to become a service dog. Still, Ozzie missed being the center of someone's universe.

Then Lyle Hartung entered into the picture. Lyle was in need of a well-trained dog right away. Many falls and injuries were jeopardizing his ability to live independently. Lyle also needed a large dog to help him back to an upright position after a fall. Ozzie fit the needs of Lyle perfectly. And so, Ozzie was brought out of retirement and recycled.

A bond quickly formed between Lyle and Ozzie as they began their training and living together. Although at first it was difficult for Karen to watch Ozzie working with someone else, the wag of Ozzie's tail as Lyle hugged him after a good day was all the evidence needed for Karen to know she had done the right thing for both Ozzie and Lyle.

These two have become inseparable as they frequent doctors' offices, restaurants, and the mall. Oz pulls Lyle's wheelchair, retrieves dropped item and the phone; he waits until Lyle is in bed and then turns the lights off. When he hears Lyle fall, he comes running to help Lyle to his feet by bracing in front of him. Ozzie is a pro at opening the refrigerator and getting Lyle a soda; and if Lyle needs to alert someone for help, Ozzie is only too willing to bark for help.

Lyle also seems to be enjoying his role as Ozzie's caregiver. He brushes 0zzie up to five times a day. They love going for their daily jogs, with Lyle in his power wheelchair and Ozzie jogging alongside.

Lyle is to be admired for his determination to finish training with Ozzie. There were days when Lyle felt much too sick to go out, but he remained a trooper and went anyway.

Ozzie wants everyone to know that just because he and Lyle are older, Don't Count Them Out. And though the old saying goes, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, don't you believe it. Ozzie already has Lyle jumping through hoops for him.

[Note: Ozzie died in July 2003 - Lyle has also passed away]