Sandy at Your Service

Golden retriever · Service dog · Good girl

Sandy at
Your Service

I’m Sandy, a golden retriever service dog. I work alongside my Mama, Liz. We’re a team at home and wherever the road takes us. I love leading the way when we’re out together, and I take my frisbee time very seriously.

Sandy the golden retriever sitting on a couch, tongue out, in her round pink paw portrait.

Our story

How I chose my Mama

Sandy looks directly into Liz’s face, her front paws resting against Liz’s black shirt with white stars.
This is the moment I chose my Mama.

See how I’m looking right at Mama in that picture? That’s the moment I chose her. Mama tells it the same way.

“Sandy chose me.” — Liz

Mama and I became a team on November 1, 2024, when I was four years old. Before we met, I was part of the yellow litter at Canine Assistants in Milton, Georgia. Their Bond Based Approach gave Mama and me time to get to know each other and build trust.

Mama uses a power wheelchair, and we’ve found our rhythm together. I pay close attention to her. When I sense she could use some company, I come over to check on her and settle in close. When I get so excited that I want to jump, I practice keeping all four paws on the ground.

Work

How I help Mama

Keep Mama company

I stay close and watch while Mama gets ready. Sometimes I help by holding onto a piece of clothing for her.

Lead the way

When Mama and I are out and about, I stay close to help her feel comfortable and safe.

Check in and stay close

I check on Mama and rest against her legs. The gentle pressure helps when she’s in pain.

Help Mama with tasks

Mama and I are working on ways I can make her day a little easier, like gently helping her put her hand back on her armrest when it falls.

Life

Did somebody say frisbee and treats?

Throw my frisbee and we’ll be best friends! When Mama says it’s okay, off comes my vest and out I go for backyard zoomies. I love giving Mama kisses, especially right on the nose, and following Papa wherever he goes. I get so excited for pets and belly rubs. After all that fun, I like to stretch out on the cool floor or curl up on the couch with my family.

I’m always up for a trip with Mama and Papa, especially to the grocery store. And if there’s a pup cup along the way, count me in.

Mama, Papa and I travel all over, and they say I’m a good road trip buddy. We especially love heading up to Maine together.

But no matter what, these are my favorites…

  • Frisbee
  • Pupsicles
  • Milk Bones
  • Pup cups

My Papa

Life with Papa Ben

Sandy sits on the couch beside Papa Ben and looks up at him, with Liz smiling beside them.
My favorite seat is right next to Papa.

Papa Ben is Mama’s caregiver. When he’s helping her, I follow him from room to room and watch everything he does. I like to stay close and keep them both company. When he goes outside, I follow him out, too.

I like keeping Papa company when he’s working in the yard, whether he’s mowing the lawn or getting ready to plant something. When it’s time to plant, I’m happy to lend a paw and dig a few holes.

When the work is done, my favorite place to be is curled up next to Papa on the couch. I love our cuddle time just as much as I love following him around.

My photo album

Life with Sandy

Tap any photo to see it larger.

Sandy in her green service vest lies on a dock beside Liz in her power wheelchair.
By the water with Mama.
Sandy lies on the floor in her green service vest, mouth open.
That’s me in my work vest.
Sandy sits on the grass wearing a floral harness and leash.
A little sunshine looks good on me.
Sandy wears a sparkly pink bow and eyes a bone-shaped cake with a number six candle.
Is it time for cake yet?
Sandy naps on the deck beside Liz’s wheelchair footplate.
My favorite porch spot is right by Mama.
Sandy looks into the camera with her tongue out while lying on a blanket.
I’m ready for my closeup.
Sandy dozes with her head nestled against star-patterned fabric.
I take snuggle time seriously.
Sandy stands in her vest beside Liz and Jennifer Arnold outside a venue.
Out for the evening with Mama and Jennifer Arnold, founder and executive director of Canine Assistants.

Say hello

Get in touch

Want to ask about my work and learn more about our story? Send me a note and my Mama, Liz, will read it. You can also follow my everyday adventures on Instagram.

EmailInstagram

Partnerships

Canine Assistants

Where Mama and I became a team.

Resilient Liz

My Mama, Liz, shares stories about disability, access, and everyday life.