Golden Opportunities for Independence

I met Pauline and Dan 3 years ago when I brought my puppy to a training class. I’ve taken classes with each of my 4 dogs at different places. By far, the training here is the best. Besides training my dog, I was able to learn about all the wonderful programs GOFI offers to our community. I quickly became a volunteer and it has deeply enriched my life. I have had the privilege of learning about what it takes to raise a service dog. The amount of care and work that goes into these dogs before they even exist is amazing. These pups are thoughtfully bred to ensure the highest level of health and intelligence. They are loved and cherished at every step. The staff and volunteers at GOFI are special people. I am grateful to be part of their community. If you are looking for a place to volunteer, this is it!

I became disabled in 2015 with several chronic illnesses and PTSD. Around that time, I was introduced to the executive director at GOFIDOG Pauline and began working with her through the process of getting a service dog. Pauline was nothing short of amazing - she genuinely cares about the people and dogs that come through her organization. As a nurse, Pauline has always understood how difficult it can be for us and the difference these dogs can make in our lives and she is always available with a listening ear. GOFI became my escape when I needed a place to feel safe. Pauline worked with me one on one to get me through the process at a time when I was hardly able to care for myself. Soon enough, it was my turn to get a dog from GOFI. Pauline made sure to match our dogs with our personalities, and she had great insight who would be the best fit for me - and she could not have been more right! The first night my baby came home with me to visit, I knew she was the perfect fit. Seven years later, I don’t know where I’d be without her. I went through the training process with my pup, choosing to raise her myself, and it was the best decision I could have made - we bonded immediately and have been inseparable ever since. Little did we know at the time, that those chronic illness diagnoses would continue to add up and the trauma I experienced in the medical system compounded, and I’ve been so lucky to have both Pauline and my GOFIDOG through it all. Despite not being trained originally to manage my physical conditions (as they were unknown at the time) my girl managed to learn a natural alert to my most pressing symptoms - she is able to alert me ahead of time when my heart rate gets too high and there’s a danger of me passing out and will seek out help for me if I’m already laying down, but still unwell. Not only did Pauline and GOFIDOG change my life, but the lives of all my family too. We have volunteered countless times at countless events, and know that GOFIDOG will always be a business we will back and support. As a family, we’ve grown closer because of the support GOFI provides and the amazing work they do. Beyond the difference she has made for my family, I have seen Pauline spend countless hours volunteering herself for anything that will ensure the safety, health, and wellbeing of all animals, handlers, and trainers working under her care. Pauline’s dedication to this work and her love of these dogs is beyond clear to anyone who has worked with her and that safety, health, and wellbeing ALWAYS comes first for her. GOFI changes lives for the better and the services offered through GOFI are invaluable. I cannot be more grateful to Pauline and all the others at GOFIDOG - the board, the volunteers, and of course the animals - for providing the inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment that exists at GOFI. We are unbelievably fortunate to have such a company available to us and I would not be where I am today without them. Love GOFI!

I came across Pauline and GOFI as the Director of the Felicia Rose Grant Program (we’re under the Cummings Foundation) while watching YouTube videos. My grant program awards grants to animal non profits that promote animal welfare, animal education, and the human/animal bond. I had arranged a visit to the Franklin Park Zoo for a Saturday class and my service dog Felicia woke up lethargic and after a trip to Angell, she tuffed it out for the zoo visit. Fast forward a few days and my baby was in the IC at Tufts and Pauline was in England on vacation. Out of the blue I get a text asking how Felicia was doing. When I told her she had to retire, I was invited to fill out an application. July, 12, 2022 I met my next Service Dog. 🐕‍🦺 My boy had been bullied as a puppy by one of his brothers and with a soft voice and gentle hands, Pauline helped him get over his fear of intact males. He went from not enjoying being at the farm because of being bullied to now whining in the car when we arrive because he’s excited to see his family human and canine! In my time with GOFI I have heard several people praise what she’s doing such as with the “Train the Veteran Program” and the “Retrieving a New Start which gives those who are recovering from substance addiction a skill they can use to make money. Pauline is also supporting of other things going on in our lives such as weight loss or dealing with diabetes. Everyone who works at GOFI are the best and you’re treated like family! In fact in my case better than my own blood!

I have never been a dog person but one day about 3 years ago I received a phone call from the owner Pauline. She talked about coming & seeing some of her puppies, you see I’m an amputee lost my left leg to an infection they couldn’t cure…I wasn’t in a good state mentally. But my family and I went to the Walpole Mall the next day and within 2 weeks this puppy, my daughter named him Boston. He was a ray of sunshine to me as GOFI trained Boston the next 2 years to be my service dog. I can’t imagine my world without him & GOFI he still brings a smile to my face everyday! Thank you Pauline & all of the people there that love Boston!