My Giant Service Dog

08/04/2023

just a girl and her (service) dog 👩🏼🐺

21/03/2023

sponsor us? We would be more than happy to perform quality-control checks on alllll batches of peanut butter 😋

09/02/2023

“Sharing is caring, mom” -Dela, probably 🍟
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I’ve been super busy between physical therapy, the gym, and getting ready to start a new job so I haven’t been posting much, but Dela is still working hard and is still the best girl ever! (And is still upset that I don’t share my fries with her)

29/01/2023

we love lazy sunday mornings 😴
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Dela works hard, plays hard, and naps hard! After spending long days out and about with me, she’s always ready to snuggle up, rest on her pillow, and sleep her worries away—but don’t get me wrong, the second a toy or treat or playtime is mentioned, she is wide awake and raring to go!

08/01/2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DELA!! 🎉
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Happy 2nd birthday to the one who’s always got my back!! We did a whole lot together this year: graduating college, recovering from two surgeries, going on vacation, and more! I can’t believe my partner in crime is two years old already, and I can’t wait for many more years of adventures with her!!

27/12/2022

need a spot? 💪🏼
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okay, so maybe service dogs can’t actually be spotters, given their lack of opposable thumbs, but they’re great for moral support! of course, Dela is quick to send me a judging look if I can’t get the weight up, but I’m just using that as more motivation. either way, I still think she’s the best gym partner around!

22/12/2022

the most beautiful girl✨
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couldn’t resist getting some model shots of my girl during our latest trip to Dollywood! this park does such a great job of welcoming service dog teams and providing a great experience! Dela and I had a fantastic time!!

12/12/2022

mirror mirror on the wall 🪞
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who am I kidding? I think we all know who is the fairest of them all! Dela has been working hard running errands with me during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! With distractions all around, she’s been doing great! She definitely won’t be getting any coal this Christmas ;)

04/12/2022

what does the fox say?? 🦊
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Dela made a new friend while we were out Christmas shopping! She’s used to being the biggest girl around, but this fox at made her look like a puppy again!

29/11/2022

where do polar bears vote? the north poll! 🐻‍❄️
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Dela and I headed to the polls today to vote in the runoff election! while she didn’t get a ballot, she was still there doing her civic duty with the rest of us! voting is so important, and it was great to have Dela with me for the process. I am off my crutches now, which means she has resumed her rightful place as my mobility aid, and I couldn’t be happier!

23/11/2022

I’m convinced my car radio gets better signal with this satellite in the backseat 📡

03/11/2022

right by my side, that’s where you can find her ❤️
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my ninth surgery was a success, although still a challenge. the damage in my hip was more severe than expected, but thankfully they were able to repair it instead of do a complete reconstruction. Dela handled her second hospital/surgery experience like a pro, and I’m so proud of her. now to work on recovering so she and I can get back to conquering the world together.

31/10/2022

Happy Halloween from Little Red Riding Hood and the Big (Not So Bad) Wolf! ❤️🐺
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Dela and I will be getting ready for my surgery instead of trick or treating tonight, but we still had to show off our holiday spirit!!

18/10/2022

getting ready for surgery 9 and I think Dela is a little more excited than I am 🤦🏼‍♀️
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My hip surgery is two weeks away, which means it was time for my pre-op appointment today. I’ll be having either a labral repair or reconstruction depending on the level of damage there is in my hip joint. This surgery will be relatively minor compared to my other operations, but it will still come with its fair share of challenges and restrictions. I will be on crutches for about four weeks, and so Dela will be resuming her temporary position as nurse while my crutches take over as my primary mobility aid. I’m so thankful to have her by my side as I walk (or crutch) this journey for the ninth time.

08/10/2022

even at 90 pounds, she still thinks she’s a lap dog 🤷🏼‍♀️
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Dela and I went to the fair today!! The fair is full of high-level distractions—food, rides, other animals, crowds, and more—which makes it a great place to reinforce training! Dela had some time off this summer between her two surgeries and mine, but I am happy to say that my girl’s still got it! Even though Dela is technically considered a fully-trained service dog, training is an ongoing process, and there is always something to improve on!

04/10/2022

little throwback for today! 🐻‍❄️👩🏼🐺
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I wanted to take some time to give a shout-out to Dela’s dad (left), Snouticus the Massive German Shepherd! Snout has been the sire of dozens of service dogs around the US, including Thunder (right) and my girl Dela! He actually just had to go through a major surgery to treat aggressive cancer, and he is now a tripod. Even with three legs, this dog continues to have a massive impact, and I know he will recover like a champ! If you feel led to donate to Snouticus’ recovery, check out his page for the link. We love ya, Snout!

28/09/2022

not much makes the cone of shame better, but a new toy and some good news helps!! 🐰
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Dela’s biopsy results came back clear! The lump on her ear was benign, and she is a happy, and more importantly, healthy girl!! She will be in the cone for one more week until the sutures come out, and then she’ll be back to her normal self! For now, she’s getting plenty of attention and a few extra toys—like this one from that she is OBSESSED with!!

20/09/2022

it was an early morning at the vet for Dela Rose 🤕
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my girl is having minor surgery today to remove a small lump on her ear that has been getting bigger over the last month or so. the vet does not believe it is cancerous, but based on its growth rate we are getting it removed just to be safe. she’s a tough girl, so I know she’ll be just fine, but no handler ever likes their dog needing surgery. y’all keep her in your prayers, that 1. the surgery will go smoothly 2. the biopsy of the lump will come back non-cancerous and 3. that I don’t go completely crazy trying to keep her calm and quiet for the next few days!

09/09/2022

This is Snouticus the Massive German Shepherd, Dela’s father. He is also the father of dozens of other service dogs who have changed the lives of their handlers. Snout has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and his prognosis is uncertain. Donate if you can, pray if you do, share if you will. 🤍

Help Steadfast GSD, LLC reach their goal by donating or sharing with your friends.

06/09/2022

It’s Taco Tuesday!! 🌮
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This working girl has earned herself a treat!! This week has been a transition for both of us as I am relearning to walk and Dela is relearning how to work as my mobility aid. We still have some work to do, but she is getting back into the groove of things way faster than I was expecting!!

03/09/2022

the dynamic duo is back! 🤩
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I got cleared to transition off my crutches and relearn how to walk again!! That means Dela is off vacation and back to work! I’m still using my crutches the majority of the time, but Dela will slowly start taking over as my main mobility aid once more. She was so happy to get back to work, and I was so happy to have my best friend with me again! It might sound cliche, but dogs make everything better..at least mine does ;)

22/08/2022

little throwback to the farmer’s market with my girl!! 🥬
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Dela and I had a great time at our local farmer’s market last month! Farmer’s markets are a great place to work on her focus, as there are endless sights and sounds for her to take in! We can’t wait to go back!
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I’m still not allowed to put weight on my knee or drive after my surgery, so Dela and I have been pretty much stuck on house arrest. I’m hoping to get her back to work within the next two weeks as I start relearning how to walk again; I’ve really missed being out and about with my girl!

07/08/2022

talk about a biggggg stretch! 😮‍💨
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Dela has been really enjoying her time off these past few weeks! I have a lot of restrictions during the early part of this recovery, and I’m having to use crutches or a wheelchair to get around. For Dela, this means she gets some time to relax and play while I rest and recover. Once I’m allowed to start putting weight on my leg again, Dela will take back over as my mobility aid, and she’ll be invaluable as I relearn how to walk again!

21/07/2022

paging nurse Dela…🩺
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my 8th surgery is now in the books, and Dela was the epitome of steadfast. she was able to accompany me to pre-op, where she kept an eye on me and rested her chin on my bed to be as close as possible. she didn’t want to leave me for the surgery, but one of the few places service dogs cannot go is the sterile environment of an operating room, so we had to part ways while I was under. after surgery, she came into the recovery area and immediately resumed her careful supervision of me. she snuggled up as close to the bed as possible, and I can’t even explain how much better I felt knowing she was there. I’m home and resting now, and I’m so proud of my girl, nurse Dela!

19/07/2022

my big girl with her big harness!! and just in time too! 🕖
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Dela has been upgraded to an actual mobility harness now that she has met all of the age and weight requirements to do full mobility work! The harness has already made a tremendous difference in how much she can help me in my day to day life, and it makes it so much easier for me to get around! It’s a good thing too, because my eighth orthopedic surgery is tomorrow and I’ll need all the help I can get! Dela will be accompanying me to the hospital tomorrow morning for my surgery, and I know she will make all the difference in calming my nerves before the operation. I’ve had several bad experiences coming off of anesthesia, so I’m a bit stressed out at the moment, but I’m so thankful I’ll have my girl with me this time!

09/07/2022

The boyz 😎
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Dela got spayed this week (see last picture) and is taking some time off work so I thought it’d be a great time to give her brothers the spotlight!
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The handsome gentleman in the first photo is Nemo, (no, he was not named after the fish) He’s the senior citizen of the family at 13 years old, and he weighs about 50 lbs. We rescued him at 2 years old, and he’s an Aussie, Chow Chow, and Pit Bull mix! Nemo is an independent boy, and loves to do his own thing, but he’s the most loyal pup you can find!
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Next up is Kipling, a 3 year old lab mix that we rescued as a puppy, and he’s a certified big boy at around 80 lbs. Kipling is the clingiest dog around, and he’ll stay glued to your side for eternity if you’ll let him!
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And finally, the Dela we all know and love, complete with a Pixar lamp-esque cone! 😅

05/07/2022

Happy ‘Murica day, y’all!! 💙
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so blessed to live in a country where freedom is a priority not a privilege. there is so much we take for granted, but I will always be humbled and grateful that I live in the home of the free, because of the brave.

14/06/2022

waiting and hoping someone drops a fry or two 🍟
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It’s important for service dogs to know how to ‘tuck’ under tables and into different spaces when out in public. It’s especially important for Dela in restaurants, as it keeps people from tripping on her and her tail from being stepped on! She’s such a big girl that it can be difficult for her fit under tables and tuck under chairs, but she does great!

05/06/2022

Dollywood in review! 💗💛🧡💚💙
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a few weeks ago Dela and I went to Dollywood to celebrate my recent college graduation!! it was such an amazing experience and I can’t say enough good things about the park! the staff were all very helpful and accommodating with Dela with the exception of one access issue that got cleared up quickly, and the park was beautiful! if you are looking to take your service dog on vacation, Dollywood is a wonderful place to start! there is plenty of shade, lots of water fountains, and a service dog relief area inside the park!