Tom Stumm & Tony

During his senior year in college, Tom was severely injured in a vehicle accident. While two others lost their lives, Tom was fortunate to survive with a traumatic brain injury and broken bones. In a coma for several months, he awakened to a world in which he had to start all over again. He learned to walk, talk, dress and feed himself and learn all the facets of the New World in which he was living ... only now with many limitations. Through it all he never lost his sense of humor or perseverance. He returned to work for ten years as a government employee trying to find a new career path. His health would not support the daily stress of full or even part time employment.

Tom was found eligible for disability and with the help of Brain Injury Services of Northern Virginia moved into an independent living apartment where he lives today.

While his family has been a continuing source of support to Tom, he still struggled with the daily tasks of walking without falling down, recognizing diabetic crises and speaking distinctly.

A friend suggested that he investigate the use of a Service Dog. Tom and his family contacted The Jasmine Charitable Trust and began the process of evaluation. Tom was found to be eligible for a Mobility/Stability and Medical Alert Service Dog. The day that Tom and Tony met was a memorable one. Tony looked over all the people in the room, walked right up to Tom and rested his chin in Tom's hand.

Tom and Tony began the arduous task of learning to be a Service Team. For several months Tom and his parents traveled from Alexandria to Hampton, Virginia, sometimes staying overnight to train for hours on end. Finally, Tony was ready to go home with Tom. With Tony's help, Tom is walking more stable, has lowered his visual horizon, clarified his speech and is taking charge of his own life.

Tony joined Tom on stage and regularly performed with the "Rhythms of Hope" Dance Troupe at events locally and regionally. Every week Tom gives Tony a bath and grooms him daily. Daily exercise includes long walks and shopping trips to local stores. Tony has adopted Tom's parents as his "grandparents" and has become another beloved family member. If Tom takes a fall in or out of the house, Tony remains at his side and assists him in rising when Tom gives him the command to "Brace". Tony alerts to changes in Tom's blood sugar and responds by signaling and bringing rescue medications to Tom's in a crisis.

Tom and Tony have passed their Certification Exam and are "fine tuning" advanced tasks including retrieval and signaling. In June 2005 they moved to Richmond, VA and are hard at work establishing a new network.