The Boston Red Sox honored eight NEADS Service Dogs and Facility Dogs from Massachusetts during a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park, part of the Service Dog of the Game program. NEADS, a nonprofit organization based in Princeton, has been involved in this initiative since 2019.
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Service Dogs assist individuals with disabilities, while Facility Dogs work alongside professionals in various environments, including schools and therapeutic programs. NEADS also places dogs within hospitals, ministries, and courthouses.
Among those recognized was Knight, a Service Dog partnered with Patrick Cogan of Wenham, who copes with Friedreich's ataxia. Knight plays a crucial role in helping Cogan maintain his independence. Lexus assists retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brendan Ferreira, a veteran and small business owner from Somerset.
Simba, another NEADS Service Dog, supports Betsy Hamill from Chelmsford, fostering her comfort and connection in public spaces. Pally, a Service Dog for Hearing, is partnered with Waltham resident Kate Thurman, marking Thurman’s third NEADS Service Dog.
Missy, a Facility Dog, works with guidance counselor Patricia Parrillo at Robinson Elementary School in Mansfield, while Sara supports social worker Deborah Goldfarb at Boston Medical Center and Suffolk County Jail. Cali, another Service Dog for Hearing, assists Mary Bird, a clinical social worker who specializes in treatments for deaf patients.
Lastly, Elwood, a Facility Dog, supports Kelly Sullivan, the director of the Bachelor of Social Work program at Assumption University in Worcester.
NEADS CEO Aubrey Henderson expressed gratitude for the Red Sox’s recognition of the vital contributions these working dogs make in their communities. NEADS, founded in 1976, provides Service Dogs for individuals with disabilities, including veterans and children with autism.
For further information, visit neads.org.