Sajen

Carina and Sajen

Sajen is a "squeaky toy freak", a tennis ball fanatic, and the master of the belly flop pool plunge. But clip on his service dog vest and he instantly goes from goofball guy to serious, highly-trained, carefully-selected working dog, ready to change the life of "his girl," each and everyday. Since the gray February morning six years ago that we first looked into Sajen's wise, soulful eyes, the labrador-golden retriever cross has been by Caroline's side. She has cerebral palsy due to birth trauma and uses a power wheel chair. She tends to be quiet and shy. But with Sajen next to her, she has grown from a sweet 10 year old child, to an increasingly confident young lady. Sajen has brought out the best in her, and has opened wide the doors of possibilities, wagging his long black tail with gusto every step of the way. Sajen picks things up for Caroline, like the TV remote control or a pencil that rolls off the table during homework. He gets her shoes and pulls off her socks. He can open doors and drawers, and push the elevator buttons. He truly makes her independent in ways she never could have been without him. But, most significantly, Sajen lures Caroline into the world, and the world to Caroline. Instead of ignoring her in her wheelchair, people now talk to her. His kind, gentle face helps start a conversation that might not have happened otherwise. She has become more and more engaged in the world of opportunity because he's there, next to her, breaking the ice and giving her courage. Now the shy kid thinks nothing of rolling down Main Street leading a group in a parade, with Sajen proudly trotting alongside. She bravely competes in 4H dog events, even the State Fair, as the "only kid in a wheelchair". He has stretched her comfort zone, and because of his confidence in her, she has grown. Together, they can "go for it", whatever life brings. And he's there to make her laugh and to hug at night, if things don't go quite right. With Sajen, she has learned to become an ambassador and advocate for service dogs and for people with disabilities. From fellow shoppers to politicians, everyone is charmed by Caroline's beautiful smile and Sajen's eager wag. He opens doors in more ways than one. Sajen's muzzle is getting white. In a year and a half, Caroline plans to graduate from high school and go to college. Sajen will be there, nudging her into the world, giving her the lasting confidence his special wisdom, intuitive soul, warm black fur and super-soft ears provide. He has truly changed Caroline's life and we want to thank all the organizations that provide these amazing dogs. Every breeder, puppy raiser, staff member, volunteer and contributor is now a part of our family and of our hearts. You have changed lives through dogs, like Sajen, who change lives, like Caroline's. Thank you.