Testimonials >Success Stories >Bill and Butter

Bill and "Butter" Experiencing Life Again

By William H. Greenhalgh, THSD Graduate

Bill Greenhalgh served our country flying medical helicopters through two tours in Viet Nam. Injuries suffered when they landed on a landmine resulted in hemiparisis: Bill's left arm and left leg are paralyzed. Living with the ensuing challenges for nearly 30 years led to Bill's desire for a Service Dog. As Bill says, "I wish I knew about Texas Hearing & Service Dogs a long time ago!"

Dear Members of the Austin Community Foundation,

I would like to thank you for your kind and generous donation to Texas Hearing and Service Dogs. Your donation made it possible for me to receive a Service Dog which has changed my life for the better.

It would be so difficult to list all that Butter does for me. He is constantly learning new things to help me and is constantly "inventing" ways to assist me. Along with opening and closing doors, he ties my shoes, helps me get dressed and undressed, picks things up - everything from large heavy objects to pieces of paper. He turns light switches on and off and pulls my chair to assist me in getting around. I am currently working with him to teach him to respond to a laser light pointer.

He has been a wonderful addition to my life. Having him around has given me more of a reason to want to start the day. He is always encouraging me to play with him or get active in some way. I have increased structure in my life knowing that I must feed him at certain times. And because of his being with me almost constantly, my social life has increased. More people talk to me and are more relaxed in doing so. I can only observe (from my point of view and past experience) that they look past the wheelchair and see the dog.

It is not possible for me to fully express my thanks and appreciation for what you did. It is beyond words to really put the gratitude I feel into verbal or written communication, but if it were possible to show you the glow in my heart, it would be blinding.

After 27 years of living with only half a body, I was given a chance to experience life again, not with a whole body, but with a four-legged addition who makes not having the left side of my body usable much more bearable. He has actually given me much more ability and versatility. Because of your kindness and the excellent staff at the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, I am able to enjoy so much of what has only been on the furthest reaches of my dreams for so long. I hope you know that every day when I wake up with my four legged buddy I will think of you and silently thank you for your kind contribution. I know so many people who can use the services of a dog like mine and hope that more people of such kind heart as yours will think of making a contribution to the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs organization. Believe me, your kindness will be in my heart forever.

Sincerely,

William H. Greenhalgh