We are the Marlers. Our middle son Lucas (9) was diagnosed with Autism at age 5. Lucas has no sense of fear, and will elope while walking in parking lots or at home. I found out about Saber life Foundation through a friend. When I connected with them their whole staff was so sweet and understanding. The process of getting our services dog Turtle was so easy and effortless. Since having Turtle he has performed life-saving task for us. Going out in public is so much easier now that Turtle is in our life I couldn’t imagine not having him to be there for every day needs he has truly given us a greater quality of happiness in our family.
-The Marlers
When we talked about a service dog, Addie’s eyes would light up in excitement but quickly fall when we realized the cost to buy, train and care for one. After years of medications that weren’t helping her medical issues (and in some cases worsening them), we decided it was time to do whatever it took to connect her with her service dog companion. Saber Life Foundation wasted no time and had us approved for one in less than a week. Even better? They exist to make service dog ownership less of a cost burden to people who need them. We are beyond blessed and so very thankful for Saber Life Foundation!
– Bryan and Ashley
Our oldest Rylan, was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety roughly 3 years ago. These last 3 years have been a trial for us as a family. From trying different medications to figuring out what works for him during school. We never thought of a Service dog! A good friend of mine mentioned one day that her sweet boy was getting a Service dog and we started talking about what the dog can help with and how the dog can help.
I instantly thought to myself, that’s it. We have got to get our boy a Service Dog, a best friend. We then got in touch with Saber Life Foundation and let me tell you, they have been on top of everything. From getting us approved for a dog to getting us help with fundraisers to help us raise the funds needed.
As a family, we cannot wait to see our sweet boy with a best friend. Someone that can keep him safe and help when we can’t. Rylan is over the moon to get his little buddy!
– Tiffany
I have had a long career of being in the medical field as well as Law enforcement. I started my career immediately upon turning 18 to fulfil my lifelong dream in a career in emergency services. I started my career as a volunteer firefighter. In 1992 I became an emergency medical technician proceeding becoming a paramedic. started my career as a paramedic at Somerset, KY.- Pulaski County EMS then went to work as a deputy sheriff and swat medic. I then spent 5 yrs. in law enforcement as a prehospital medicine. I have encountered many medical and law situations over my 30-year career, but little did I know that I was fighting my own disabilities. I was facing a demon called “PTSD” and it was awful. I was forced to retire in 2006 because PTSD had a hold on me. I started drinking every day, taking medication for depression, and hanging with the wrong crowd. Here it is now 2021, PTSD has taken its toll. I’m currently engaged to an amazing, beautiful woman, Kim who understands PTSD to some extent but with me, its complex. I’m currently seeing 3 doctors that has prescribed numerous medications. I heard about Saber Life Foundation and how they could possibly help provide me with a service dog to assist me with my PTSD. After reaching out they were able to help me through the process and found my “savior”. That was a 45-pound black lab named Opal Mae (we added Mae to Opals name after my fiancés Grandmother). The first meeting with Opal, we both knew from the time I took the leash that she and I knew we were meant to be. I took opal home and quickly she showed just amazing how she is. Saber Life Foundation helped saved my life. I was having thoughts of suicide and feeling everyone would be better off without me, but Saber Life and on Command K9 Academy helped me to prevent that thought going any further.
– Tony
We have always heard about service dogs but we never thought we could afford one or that one would be a possibility for our son. When we heard of a local family whose lives were changed because of their service dog we were very interested. When we reached out to Saber Life, we felt that a service dog could finally be a possibility for us! From the time we said yes, things moved right along so smoothly and everyone has been so helpful and have communicated with us every step of the way. From general support to ideas for fundraising they have been there to help! As the time approaches for us to receive our dog we can definitely say we are so thankful for this organization!!
– Jamie
Brecklan Cates is the happiest 2-year-old you will meet! Brecklan has a very complex medical history. He had a tracheostomy for 1 year and has been tube fed ever since birth. He currently is J fed. Autism had never crossed our minds until back in July of 2021, his G.I. doctor mentioned we should get him checked. On September 16, 2021, Brecklan was diagnosed with the most severe form of Autism. As soon as we had confirmation of this diagnosis, we knew this was the direction we had to go. Brecklan is nonverbal but loves animals. He had to have a service dog. We felt like this would be life changing for him. We found trainer Tim Franks from a family friend, and after one phone call, we knew he was exactly who we wanted to use. Tim told us about Saber Life Foundation. They have made everything so easy for us. Joel and Danea Key are the absolute sweetest people you will ever meet and keep you up to date on everything throughout the entire process. They have made it possible for Brecklan getting his service dog, Belkis. We will forever be grateful for them and for Saber Life Foundation.
– Madison
Saber Life Foundation has done something for our family that I could never say thank you enough for. My 3-year-old son has Autism and has an elopement/wandering issue! Our service dog could very well save his life one day and that’s something that is priceless for us. We are incredibly thankful for these true Angel’s on earth and what they are doing for families like ours!
– Elizabeth
Life Changing. I can go out to places and do things again. I can talk to people and I have more confidence to do things.
– Caden
You all have been such a wonderful blessing to us. Thank you will never be enough. The Saber Life Foundation are Angels straight from God. They gave my son life again by helping us get Thorn (my son’s service dog). They have given my son the faith and confidence that he can live life. They gave us hope that my son can have a future again. They are a true answer to prayer.
– Rona