|
A Perfect Match: Kathy & Ender
In the quiet beauty of northern Wisconsin, Kathy and her husband, Paul, are embracing a new chapter in their lives—one filled with partnership, loyalty, acceptance, and love. Paul, the town’s Fire Chief, is often called away on long shifts, leaving Kathy to manage the challenges of profound hearing loss and mobility limitations on her own. Over the past two decades, her hearing has steadily declined, and a degenerative joint condition has left her fully reliant on a power wheelchair.
As Kathy’s health changed, so did her daily needs. She and Paul began searching for a way to ease her sense of vulnerability and create more safety at home—especially with tasks like hearing the phone, responding to alarms, or retrieving objects that were out of reach. They quickly realized that a service dog could provide not only practical support but also priceless companionship. Enter Ender.
Ender is a striking yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever cross with soulful eyes, a gentle spirit, and a heart full of devotion. He is affectionate, intelligent, eager to please, and, perhaps most importantly, deeply bonded to “his person.” Ender’s journey began in our Paws’Abilities program at the Wyoming Medium Correctional Facility, where he was raised and trained by Nick, one of our highly skilled Master Handlers. Under Nick’s expert guidance, Ender mastered behavioral skills and sound alerts with remarkable reliability.
Yet, as brilliant as Ender is, he revealed a side of himself that raised concerns: an innate caution in unfamiliar or unpredictable environments. Our trainers worked diligently to help him overcome this anxiety, but it became clear that Ender’s true comfort and confidence shone brightest in the safety of home. Asking him to be a full-time public service dog simply wasn’t fair to such a willing and tender-hearted companion.
So, we reimagined his role.
Ender became a Skilled Companion—a highly trained service dog who provides sound alerts, retrieves items, and offers constant companionship within the home. This shift allowed Ender to thrive in the environment that makes him happiest, while still offering Kathy the life-changing assistance she needs. It was the perfect compromise.
And as soon as Ender met Kathy, we knew: this was a match made to last.
During their Team Training at Kathy’s lakeside home in northern Wisconsin, Ender quickly took ownership of his new role. He alerts Kathy when the phone rings, an alarm sounds, or when Paul calls her name. He retrieves dropped or out-of-reach items, including Kathy’s favorite request—bringing her a cozy blanket. Most importantly, Ender has settled into his greatest role: being Kathy’s constant companion. He rests his head gently on her knee, stretches out by her chair, and offers unwavering comfort simply through his presence.
Ender is thriving, too. He loves life as a “lake dog,” splashing and swimming in their lake and exploring the sights and sounds of their wooded property, then returning indoors to be by Kathy’s side. He has found both joy and purpose, just as Kathy has found reassurance, support, and unconditional love.
Together, Kathy and Ender are like two puzzle pieces perfectly fit. They accept one another fully, embrace each other’s strengths, and navigate challenges side by side. Their story is not just about what a Skilled Companion can do—but about how love, trust, and partnership can transform lives.
In Kathy’s words, life with Ender is "Wonderful." And for Ender, there’s no greater reward than being exactly where he belongs—home, with Kathy.
| 
