As Chance's mom, I was the one who held Walden's leash through nearly every surgery, every EEG, every long hospital hallway and every hard appointment for seven years. He wasn't just Chance's service dog. He became our constant companion too, sitting beside me in waiting rooms, worried for our boy right alongside me.

Raising a child with significant medical needs is not easy. There were so many moments we felt scared, exhausted, or unsure how we'd get through what was ahead. Walden never once let us feel like we were doing it alone. He had a way of looking at us, eyebrows raised, almost telling us it was going to be okay, every time we waited for Chance through surgeries and medical procedures. I am not sure how we could have carried some of those hardest days without him by our side.

Walden passed away this past November, and we still feel his absence every single day. But this month, Chance was invited to team training for his next Canine Companions service dog, and we find ourselves so grateful for the opportunity to welcome another dog into our lives, Chance's life, and his journey.

It costs nearly $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place just one service dog. We're asking for your support this DogFest season, whether it helps fund Chance's next partner or gives another family the gift Walden gave ours.

Thank you for showing your support in memory of the bestest boy, Walden IV.