About Us

	On other pages:
	The Placement Process
	The Dogs
	Dog Trainers
	Puppy Raisers

About NLMAD

In 1985 Karen Brown was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Her strength and independence diminished with each passing year. In March of 1993 Karen was accepted to the Independence Dogs, Inc. assistance dog training program for the disabled. Karen was matched with a collie named Ozzie.

With lots of hard work and dedication, a very determined team graduated from Independence Dogs. Independent they became, ranging from walking one mile tracks to (as the disease progressed) pulling Karen's wheelchair, retrieving the phone, carrying in groceries and opening the refrigerator door, retrieving a soda and returning to shut the door.

In 1996, Karen became a Humane Society of Wilkes County member. She became aware of the far too many quality dogs at the local animal shelter not getting adopted and being euthanized. A spark was ignited when, in a Florida Humane Society shelter in March 1997, a lovely shepherd/husky mix named Jessie stole her heart. And the wheels were set in motion that Jessie would become Ozzie's successor upon his retirement.

So the concept behind New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs was born, not only to rescue shelter dogs and give them a new lease on life, but to give their recipient a new life. A life that will no longer have to rely on always asking for help in some of life's "taken for granted" achievements or pleasures, ranging from picking up something dropped, to going off solo in a shopping mall.

New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and will help to save the life of a shelter dog and to enrich the life of a disabled person.

NLMAD Board Members 2011
Karen Brown, President Ruth Sturgill, Vice President Sue Taylor, Secretary Dianna Washburn, Treasurer	Dr. James Taylor Brian Weber Kathy Weber Art Belanger Pat Belanger

Karen's Story