About Us

TAILS From the paws of an Assistance dog named Cookie

About My Best Friend, Karen
In 1985 Karen Brown was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. In 1993 she completed a program for an assistance dog at Independence Dogs, Inc. In 1996 Karen joined the local Humane Society. She quickly became aware of the far too many dogs there, which ignited a spark that set in motion the wheels to rescue dogs from shelters and train them to become assistance dogs. Thus, the concept of New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs (NLMAD) was born, not only to rescue dogs and to give them a new lease on life, but also to give the recipient a new life. In 1997 Karen began New Life as a hobby. Her goal was to reach disabled people with mobility limitations and help them become as independent as possible for as long as possible with the help of an assistance dog. By 1999 Karen realized that the requests and need for assistance dogs had outgrown her ability of training dogs as a hobby. New Life was incorporated in March 2000, becoming a non-profit organization October 2000. In less than ten years since its incorporation, she will have graduated over fifty assistance dogs for persons with disabilities. Since Karen rescued me from the shelter over 7 years ago I have been watching her train other rescued dogs for other people. She is so hard-working, determined and dedicated to helping people gain or regain some of their independence. I try to help her as much as I can but sometimes I just get worn out watching her. Karen's dedication has inspired many others to continue giving of themselves as she does so generously. Karen is definitely an extraordinary person with an amazing story who  continues to inspire.  I hope this short story of my best friend, Karen will inspire you to help me help her. Many of you will probably will not be able to ride with me but I beg of you, PLEASE help us raise money so Karen can continue rescuing shelter dogs to train for children and adults with disabilities. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Paws, Hugs and Kisses,
Cookie

From the eyes of a volunteer Puppy Parent

I'm Jim Taylor. Upon my retirement in 2000 from East Carolina University, following a 40-year career in Special Education, my wife and I became volunteers for NLMAD. Over the eight years of observing Karen I have found her to be the most hard-working, determined and dedicated person I have associated with during my career. I have seen Karen's involvement in activities ranging from directly training the rescued dogs, educating people regarding assistance dogs to struggling for operating funds in all sorts of weather from sunrise to way beyond sunset. Karen's dedication has inspired me, my wife and countless others to continue giving of ourselves as she does so generously. Karen is definitely an extraordinary person with an amazing and extraordinary story who continues to inspire. It is with deepest respect that I ask you for your help in helping Karen continue training dogs for people who need their assistance for as long as she is able. See www.nlmad.org for more about the amazing work of Karen and about the dogs she has trained for others.

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