Marian (Peggy) Schwartz & Ben

Peggy and Ben had a long distance love affair that lasted over a year. When they finally came together as a Service Team one crisis after another occurred. 

Peggy's job fired her for having Ben and refused to allow him to assist her on the job. Another job refused to even consider her application with a Service Dog. Unwilling to accept this discrimination and violation of her civil rights, with our help Peggy took her employer to EEOC ... and won!

She subsequently chose to terminate the position herself and secured other employment where she and Ben are warmly welcomed every day. Ben's "office" is under Peggy's desk. His attendance at the company Christmas party was the highlight of the event. The company even provided him with a holiday "bonus," a huge stocking filled with treats and toys.

Ben has big responsibilities in Peggy's life. He serves as her Mobility dog, mitigating instability due to an inoperable back condition. He also provides alerts and responses for asthma attacks. He is learning to take direction in sign language when Peg is unable to breathe freely and speak. Another task awaiting Ben is the retrieval of rescue medications for his partner during a medical crisis. Since Peg is often alone in the evenings while her husband is in medical school, Ben makes it possible for Peg to receive assistance without intervention by emergency personnel. Ben has taken Peggy many places that by her own admission she would not have ventured to alone. The security of having Ben by her side during a medical crisis has impacted Peg's health condition significantly.

The Service Team of Peggy and Ben certified in April 2005.  Congratulations CSD Ben!  Their career continues as they manage the administrative activities of UMBIDA, a non-profit organization.