A Christmas Gift Beyond Measure: How Cade Restored Hope and Freedom for CC
This holiday season, the true meaning of giving shines through an extraordinary story of companionship, healing, and renewed purpose. For veteran CC, the gift of a service dog named Cade has been nothing short of life-changing.
CC and Cade
Her first encounter with Cade was nothing short of magical.
Before Cade, CC's world had become incredibly small. Trapped in her own thoughts, she rarely ventured outside, spending most days on the back porch, disconnected from family and friends. Anxiety and depression had built walls around her, leaving her feeling isolated and stuck. Her husband shopped and ran errands while she remained homebound, struggling to find motivation or joy.
Her first encounter with Cade was nothing short of magical. During her visit to Service Dogs Alabama, CC remembered Cade's expressive eyes watching her intently. When he came into the training area, something extraordinary happened. She went down on one knee, and he immediately approached, giving her a kiss. Even though they had never met before, she knew instantly he was her perfect match.
The depth of Cade's support became immediately apparent, especially with CC's chronic nightmares. Veterans often struggle with traumatic sleep experiences that can be re-traumatizing and deeply distressing. Cade's incredible intuition means he wakes her up at the precise moment before a nightmare can fully take hold. By nudging and licking her, he interrupts the nightmare before she sinks into its most traumatic details. This intervention is crucial—it prevents her from becoming mentally trapped in the nightmare's worst moments, allowing her to return to sleep peacefully. As CC describes it, getting a good night's sleep is "priceless."
Cade provides support in countless subtle yet profound ways. When she's upset and wants to avoid making a scene, he sits quietly beside her, placing his head in her lap—offering comfort without judgment. He monitors her daily rhythms, even telling her when it's bedtime by putting his nose on her belly, grumbling, and nudging her when it's time to rest.
Some experiences would have been unimaginable before Cade.
CC attended her daughter's graduation and will travel out of state to spend Christmas with her family.
The holiday season magnifies this transformation. This year, CC will attend her daughter's graduation and travel to Colorado to spend Christmas with her family—experiences that would have been unimaginable before Cade. Even crowded Christmas markets, which would have previously triggered her anxiety, are now possible with her loyal companion.
"Cade is the absolute best present," she says. "I feel like I am never alone, no matter what." He provides more than comfort; he offers responsibility, purpose, and a reason to focus outside her own challenging thoughts.
CC's journey with Cade represents more than just personal healing. She hopes to eventually give back, inspired by the incredible support she's received. "I want to give back like people have been giving to me," she shares, embodying the true spirit of gratitude.
Her message to those who support organizations like Service Dogs Alabama is profound: "Please don't stop giving your time and donations. Sometimes the most insignificant ways, like a cuddle from Cade, makes all the difference in my world."
This Christmas, Cade represents more than a service dog. He is hope personified, a living, breathing gift that has restored not just functionality, but joy, independence, and connection to a life that had felt out of reach.
“Cade is the absolute best present.”
In the spirit of the season, Cade reminds us that the most meaningful gifts aren't wrapped under a tree—they're the ones that help us rediscover ourselves.
Make 2025 a Year of Hope and Healing
Stories like CC's show the life-changing impact a service dog can have. This holiday season, you can help create more success stories through our "2025 Paws with a Purpose" campaign. Your gift of $20.25 represents hope for the new year and helps us continue training exceptional service dogs for veterans and others in need.
Ready to make a difference? Here are two ways you can help:
Donate $20.25 today at 2025 Paws With A Purpose Campaign
Volunteer your time and love at Service Dogs Alabama. volunteer@servicedogsalabama.org
Every donation, every volunteer hour, brings us closer to matching another person with their perfect service dog companion. As CC says, "Every little bit makes an impact."
Be part of someone's transformation story. Give the gift of independence this holiday season.
