Many people with disabilities could benefit from having an assistance dog to aid them in a variety of ways, including opening and closing doors, pulling wheelchairs, summoning help and providing companionship. However, so few are available that only one percent of Americans who need assistance dogs currently have them.

To address this need, the Goodwill Assistance Dog Academy was created to provide assistance dogs free of charge to residents of Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia who have physical disabilities. The Goodwill program trains rescued animals, offering both the dogs and their companions a newfound sense of purpose.

It costs approximately $25,000 per client to train assistance
dogs. Call (423)629-2501, ext. 259, to learn how you
or your business can contribute to this program.

The program's spokesdog, Will, provides free disability
awareness education to adults and children. Read
his blog or visit him on Facebook to discover more.

To add your name to the waiting list for an
assistance dog, e-mail or fax your
completed application to (423)242-0594.