By Hasini Guntipalli -
Was it really only three months? Because it felt like forever.
Mobility Assist Dog Ohana moved into Abigail’s home just three short months ago. However, “It already feels like she's been here forever, and we've just always been doing our thing,” Abigail shares, reflecting on the short yet profound time they’ve spent together so far.
Before Ohana, "A typical day was filled with pain,” she recalls. “Getting ready, opening the bedroom door, making breakfast, getting coffee, leaving for work—everyday tasks were hard and painful and just would make you not really want to get out of bed and do anything.”
Abigail's challenges stemmed from a rare gene mutation. She was the eighth person in the entire world to be diagnosed. It caused both heart and mobility issues, making every day a test of endurance. Despite this, Abigail persisted, navigating the side effects and pushing through each day.
During her high school years, she started to think about how she would manage life as an adult with the condition. Then, everything changed when her doctor suggested she get a service dog. Abigail was initially hesitant—her father wasn’t particularly fond of dogs—but the idea lingered. Her family weighed the pros and cons carefully, considering how a service dog might not just fit into Abigail’s life but enhance it.
Less than a year later, Ohana—a yellow “Goladador” (Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever cross)—came into her life, and the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Thinking of their instant connection, Abigail says, “When I first met her, there was so much joy, so much happiness. We clicked right away,” Ohana, with her bright and bubbly personality, brought a new light into Abigail’s life, sensing her emotions and offering comfort in ways no one else could.
Ohana wasn’t just any dog; she became an integral part of Abigail’s world. Whether it’s by picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, activating push plates, or serving as a “brace” to help Abigail off the floor, Ohana helps Abigail get through her days with less pain and greater safety. With Ohana by her side, 19-year-old Abigail is able to much more comfortably live on her own and work.
Their bond has deepened through shared training and daily activities. “My favorite part is just spending time with her and seeing her happy and in her zone,” Abigail says. Whether they’re working together or enjoying the outdoors, they’ve become an inseparable team.
Ohana’s influence extends beyond Abigail, even winning over her father. “My dad loves her.” Abigail fondly remembers a moment during a family vacation when her father, who had initially been hesitant about getting a dog, eagerly offered to watch over Ohana. It was a heartwarming shift, which reflected how deeply Ohana has impacted not just Abigail but the entire family.
Abigail shares a message to everyone involved in raising and training Ohana: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart ... this wouldn’t have happened without them, their support, and their training of Ohana.”
Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:
Whelping Home — Kolleen Herr
Raisers — Diane & Tom Ringdal
Special Thanks — Jackson Correctional Institution,
Stanley Correctional Institution
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