Announcing the Contest Winners!
Over the last eight weeks we've received some amazing stories from you about dogs that have made huge differences in your lives. We asked readers to vote on which stories they found the most compelling - and the votes are in. Congratulations to all of the winners!
Audience Choice Award
Grizzly, Black Lab
Our son, Collin, was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at the age of four. From that point on, our lives were filled with an overwhelming amount of appointments and therapies, different diets, various behavior plans, etc. By the time our son… Read more »
Life-Changer Award
Lex, Newfoundland
I do not believe in love at first sight, even when I saw Lex, a 25 pound white and black fluffy ball I doubted that feeling of instant love or how much this dog can change me. I grew up… Read more »
Runners-Up
Baby Love, Pit Bull Mix
I am submitting a story written by my daughter Megan. I am so proud of her and her compassion for homeless animals. My name is Megan and I am a 10 year old girl that loves dogs. My story is… Read more »
Keeley, Black Lab
Keeley's Memorial Fund This story is about an incredible black lab named Keeley and how her 6 short years on this earth touched so many lives. I started a pet sitting business in spring of 2002 and at the same… Read more »
Macy, Gordon Setter
This was written by my eight year-old daughter: When I was a year old, my neighbors dogs jumped into our car up on my car seat and nipped me. From that day on I was scared of dogs. Then when… Read more »
Odetta, Lab
My name is Kathy Allbright and I have lived with Type 1 diabetes for 27 years. That's about 50,000 finger pricks, 15,000 insulin shots and countless low blood sugars. I have developed a condition call Hypoglycemic Unawareness, which means that… Read more »
Patsy, Yellow Lab
Patsy is a real life best friend. My son Bryce has a form of Autism called Aspergers Syndrome. 3 years ago we got Patsy form SSD and she changed not only Bryce's life but all of ours. Bryce never had… Read more »
Penny, Boxer
From a child to an adult, I grew knowing, believing, and experiencing the love, respect, and loyalty a dog can bring into an individual's life. I believe, six and a half years ago, my Boxer, Penny, now seven and a… Read more »
Podley, Golden Retriever
Born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his front right leg, Tripod was set aside during the litter's c-section delivery since he did not respond when delivered. As they picked up the "body" to bury him, he let out a… Read more »
Ripple, Lab
As far as birthday presents go, Ripple was the best. As for the boyfriend that bought her, he was the worst. I was introduced to Ripple on my 22nd birthday. She is a yellow Labrador Retriever. Her full name is… Read more »
SSD Sara, Yellow Lab
Leslie A. Kelly and SSD Sara I am writing this in memory of my hearing dog, Sara, from Susquehanna Service Dogs. Sara was an extremely bright and beautiful yellow lab that touched so many people's lives, especially my own. She… Read more »
SSD TJ, Yellow Lab
It's hard to believe that I've been partnered with SSD TJ for almost four years now. When a therapist at Hershey Medical Center Rehab recommended that I look into getting a service dog, little did I realize the impact it… Read more »
Winnie (The Pooh), Black Licorice Labrador
My name is Melissa Reyna and I have been legally blind for most of my life. I would love to share my story on how my guide dog Winnie-Pooh has touched and changed my life forever. Let me start by… Read more »