In 2010, we were given a sweet black lab from Canine Companions in Pennsylvania for our son with cerebral palsy. Specks had “flunked” out of their service dog program because she was too small. But as sweet and well behaved as Specks was, her training as a companion dog did not prepare her to work specifically with our son who uses a walker and has little function of his left arm. We knew that Alec was not getting the full benefit of Speck’s training but we had no idea how to get Specks and Alec walking together at the pace Alec can walk. It was no less than a miracle that we met Sandy Stokes. She assessed the situation immediately and began the process of training both Specks and Alec to work together. She was patient with Specks and with Alec’s physical and cognitive limitations.. As a result of Sandy’s consistent and patient training, Alec’s life has changed. First, Sandy arranged for Alec and Specks to take the official Therapy Dog International certification test. They were successful even when other teams failed to make the grade! As a result of that certification, Alec now takes Specks to nursing homes to share her sweetness with the residents. Just as importantly, Alec is now able to take Specks on slow morning walks around the block. This has been great exercise for him and through this activity he has met many wonderful neighbors. Sandy has truly made a difference in Alec’s life.