Thank you to Joe Boucher for this wonderful watercolor painting! Not all the quotes I gathered were able to fit on the painting so I am including them here! They are all from people or organizations that either are from New Hampshire or provide services to the New Hampshire area.

“My Hero Pup Willa is the very best thing that ever happened to me in my life. I could not have imagined how much she means to me and the many ways she has made my life better” -Hero Pups Recipient
“A service dog gives me more than mobility and independence. They offer the freedom to travel with confidence, the companionship of a constant partner by my side, and often become the bridge that helps start conversations and build connections. Nobody ever asks to pet my cane!”-Dr. Randy Peirce, CEO Future In Sight, NH Guide dog handler
Service dogs play an essential role in the lives of individuals with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other disabilities, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives…”-Kelly Ayotte, NH Governor
“My hero pup didn’t change my life – he saved it” -Hero Pups Recipient
“Beside every Service Dog Team, lies the heart of a puppy raiser.” —Mary Mace, NH puppy raiser
“Service dogs are a gift to those who need them and businesses need to understand both the legal responsibilities and the human impact involved. A well-trained staff can help create an environment that is respectful, welcoming, and compliant, while also avoiding uncomfortable situations, discrimination complaints, or misinformation. -Heather Turner, NH guide dog raiser
“A service dog needs you just as much as you need them.”- Brendan Madden, Service Dogs NH founder
“My guide dog is more than a source of independence. They are my trusted partner, my constant companion, and a powerful reminder that the strongest bonds are built through trust, service, and walking through life together.” -Dr. Randy Peirce, CEO Future In Sight, NH Guide dog handler
“My Hero Pup changed my life and kept me alive on days I didn’t want to be” -Hero Pups Recipient
Before our first dog that we had puppy raised got placed with her new person, we got to watch her remotely go through her final training test and it was unbelievable and so amazing to see her actively “think” about how she was going to guide her handler through certain scenarios, like dealing with sidewalks being blocked off or other obstacles.-Heather Turner, NH guide dog raiser
“Before anyone even asked him to, Haven immediately stepped in. He climbed into her lap, gave her kisses, and started doing pressure therapy completely on his own.”- Faith Harris, Walking with Honor founder
“Moments like that cannot be trained with force. That comes from trust, connection, and the incredible bond these dogs build with their veterans.” – Faith Harris, Walking with Honor founder
“The bond between the two is strong. Piper’s strengths include navigating stairs, bracing, focused, and maintaining a steady pace. With a sweet and gentle temperament, she exceeds in every task” -Lynn George, President of Mobility Danes of New England, Inc.
“I’m trying to be [an] ambassador with Arvin… I’m not about confrontation when it comes to him. I’m about education. I’m trying to teach people, one person at a time.”- Aaron Anderson a Marine Corps veteran from NH
“Oh god, he saved my life.” (Referring to Arvin helping with panic attacks via deep pressure therapy, nuzzling on command for anxiety, checking rooms for safety, and making VA classes easier.)- Aaron Anderson a Marine Corps veteran from NH
“It’s not just that I trust him to help my child—it’s that my child trusts him completely. And that kind of trust… that’s what lets them sleep, play, and just be a kid.”- ‘Stefany Shaheen mother of Elle and her service dog Coach’
“We continue to say, “Warner has been the best dog ever!” He managed to get Connor thru some challenging times in his life and has been such a positive addition to our family. The contributions and efforts of everyone involved in ACTS have improved the quality of life for Connor and our entire family. There is no better gift you can give. We are forever grateful to you all!!”- ACTS Service Dogs Client
“Ivory is a great partner. She is up for anything and is always so calm and poised. She helps me feel a lot more confident going out on my own and is always ready to help when needed.

She has adapted to city life exceptionally well, and as she’s gotten more used to our routines, she is starting to become more proactive. She even gets a bit disappointed when someone else presses the elevator button before she has a chance to! I’m very thankful for Ivory and all the great people at ACTS for making this possible. “~ Erica, – ACTS Service Dogs Client

“Debit and I are so close, that sometimes he knows what I need before I do!” ~ Joan, – ACTS Service Dogs Client
“In only a short time, Hickory has dramatically changed my life for the better.

Hickory makes me feel like I have a shot at life again. He makes me laugh and smile at all the small, joyful moments. He reminds me that in life, the little things are the big things. He shows me every day that I have value in this world. And he provides a sense of belonging and acceptance that I’ve missed for much too long.

Hickory is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He is my best friend. “- ACTS Service Dogs Client

“What can I say about Italia – She is my lifeline. Italia is helpful in so many ways. My life has had many changes especially in the last two years. The adjustment has been challenging physically, emotionally, and mentally. Italia has been there by my side.” – ACTS Service Dogs Client
“Being able to provide service dogs to our veterans is an honor. It is amazing to see how much the dogs help their veterans live happy and fulfilled lives.” – Kerry Operation Delta Dog Training Director
“Bruno (My service dog) has brought me so much joy, and makes me want to challenge myself in life. He has helped me to go places that I dreaded. I don’t feel alone anymore and I’m able to speak to him about my feelings. He helps me go out and travel. I can go into any store. I went back to college after 30 years because of Bruno. He has unconditional love for me. He knows when I need a hug or even a kiss. He motivates me to keep a regular sleep and exercise schedule. So, this program changed my life, and I know it has changed Bruno’s life, also. He now has a great life and a purpose just for him. Every dog needs a job where they are wanted, needed, and loved.”- Walter Operation Delta Dog Veteran
“Emmi (My service dog) and I just clicked really well. She is with me everywhere I go now. I love it, I couldn’t see it any other way…before, my anxiety level walking into a store was a 10 out of 10. Now I can do it. She seems to just know what I need—in the store, she’ll block the back of me with her body, which is why I say, ‘She has my back,’ because she literally has my back. And I love that. We rescued each other,”- Ruth Operation Delta Dog Veteran
“I have been able to go on a fishing trip with Pippin (My service dog) by my side, attend one granddaughter’s recital and the high school graduation of another—outings that would have been too stressful for me if Pippin wasn’t there with me. “When (Pippin) is sitting with me, I’m very calm. They’re always really close to us, almost touching. If I’m having a bad day, Pippin can sense it. – Stephen Operation Delta Dog Veteran
“Receiving Thunder (My service dog) has absolutely changed my life and I would not want it to be any other way. When I have her with me, I am an entirely new and better person. Thunder makes me a better person, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”- Bryan Operation Delta Dog Veteran
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked ‘How do you give them up’ I’d have more to give to raise another. We love them as if they were a part of our family! It is as rewarding as giving birth to my own children”-Kelly Goss President of the Northern New England Volunteer Chapter of Canine Companions
“That’s when I know—we did it. Our special little pup becomes the hero.”-Megan Kokaras founder of Northeast Canine