Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS) is a nonprofit organization based in Columbia, South Carolina. Since 2006, PAALS has trained service dogs to assist people with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. Each dog receives about two years of training. The training includes learning over 70 commands and exposure to environments like grocery stores, classrooms, and public transportation. This process prepares the dogs to help with daily tasks such as opening doors and retrieving items.
Melissa Payne, executive director of PAALS, says the organization aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities by pairing them with trained service dogs. She states that PAALS focuses on both training dogs and supporting individuals who need assistance.
One client, Kaylyn Sinclair, has used a wheelchair since childhood. After moving to Columbia for graduate school, Sinclair found accessibility in the city challenging. She contacted PAALS and was matched with Sammie, a two-year-old yellow Labrador retriever. Sammie helps Sinclair with tasks like picking up dropped items and opening doors. Sinclair also reports that Sammie provides companionship and helps reduce anxiety…