Success Stories
Makenna and Kyia

Kyia has been with us at New Life for two years. After being rescued from the Wilkes County animal shelter, Kyia started life as a demo puppy for puppy obedience classes. She excelled in class but didn't seem to be growing large enough for service dog work. A decision was made to find Kyia a loving home.

A young couple came to look at Kyia and while they were there, Kyia began to retrieve things and place them in Karen's lap. That was something she had not been taught! Upon seeing Kyia's new talent, Karen's intuition told her that Kyia was trying to communicate that she should stay and be trained as a service dog. The couple left empty handed, and Kyia had a new, bright future in which to look forward.

Kyia learned her assistance dog skills with great enthusiasm. She seemed to flaunt her ability to keep up with the big dogs. As Kyia's repertoire of skills grew, so did her growth in size. Kyia reached forty-one pounds, larger than we ever believed she would. High hopes were held that a little girl would come along for Kyia.

Lo and behold, along came Makenna Sewell, a spunky, strong-willed, very bright, charming four year old girl all the way from Oregon! Just one week of training Makenna with Kyia produced the beginning of a strong bond. Makenna has worked hard to use her NICE voice to make Kyia listen to her.

Makenna learned not only her voice commands but also hand signals to fell Kyia to sit, down, and stay. Makenna learned to use Kyia to brace for her to get up after a fall and to help her up and down stairs.

It has been nothing short of heartwarming to watch Makenna and Kyia improve each and every day. Smiles abound in stores like WalMart when people see such a wee lass holding her Kyia's harness handle and singing happily down the aisles.

Makenna stands firm to keep her independence and there are many things she can still do without Kyia's help. This independence and spirit in Makenna is to be encouraged.