In 2017, Kim Boehm, a former U.S. Air Force soldier, received a spinal cancer diagnosis believed to be linked to exposure to burn pits during her service in Iraq. Following the surgical removal of the tumor, she experienced complete loss of sensation from her chest down.
By 2020, the cancer had recurred, leading Boehm to undergo radiation therapy that exacerbated her condition, resulting in the need to rely on hand controls for driving and a significant impact on her balance.
During this challenging period, fate intervened when Boehm’s husband coincidentally met President Russ Gittlen from GDA|TLC at the gym. Gittlen introduced the couple to GDA|TLC, a favored charity of the IAM, and encouraged Kim to apply for a mobility dog.
Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, Boehm shared, “I had never considered the idea of having a service dog before. But as luck would have it, everything fell into place, and now I have Jackson by my side.”
A Serendipitous Connection
Jackson, a 3.5-year-old black lab, entered Boehm’s life after she applied for a service dog. Gittlen invited Boehm to speak at a GDA|TLC skeet shoot fundraiser to share her story, highlighting the invaluable support service dogs provide to veterans.
It was at this event that Boehm first encountered Jackson as a young puppy in training. Eight months later, Jackson was officially paired with Boehm to serve as her mobility assistance dog.
Boehm expressed her amazement at the unlikely coincidence, stating, “The odds of being matched with the very first dog I met are incredibly slim. With hundreds of dogs in training, the fact that Jackson meets my specific needs is truly remarkable.”
Despite enduring constant physical pain, Boehm finds solace in Jackson’s presence. She noted, “Overall, I feel a reduction in stress, and my focus shifts away from the pain when he’s by my side.”
Primarily, Jackson aids Boehm in mobility, compensating for her inability to feel her legs. She elaborated, “While I can move my legs, the lack of sensation poses challenges in walking, leading to frequent tripping and severe balance issues.”
Prior to Jackson’s companionship, navigating crowded spaces and public outings was daunting for Boehm. She recalled feeling the frustration of others due to her slower pace and a lack of understanding, prompting her to avoid crowded places.
With Jackson, this changed. Boehm shared that Jackson’s presence garners understanding and space from others, easing her navigation through public spaces. She expressed, “Now, I can venture out without the preoccupation and anxiety of being jostled or having to justify my reluctance to go out.”
While Jackson primarily assists Boehm with her physical limitations, he also plays a crucial role in helping her manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) triggers. Boehm emphasized, “During triggering moments, Jackson grounds me in the present, preventing me from being consumed by past traumas. It’s an added blessing.”
Embracing the GDA|TLC Community
Boehm spoke warmly of the inclusive and supportive atmosphere within the GDA|TLC service dog community. She highlighted the welcoming nature of the organization, emphasizing, “Upon entering GDA|TLC, you’re not made to feel indebted; instead, you’re embraced as part of the family.”
Maintaining connections with Jackson’s puppy raiser, who prepares service dogs for their future roles, Boehm likened her experience at GDA|TLC to a tightly-knit family. She contrasted the military precision with which the organization operates with an added layer of compassion and familial care, expressing immense gratitude for the support received.
Enriching Lives with Jackson
GDA|TLC carefully matches service dogs with handlers based on compatibility and skill sets. Jackson, characterized as calm and adaptable, perfectly complements Boehm’s lifestyle and needs.
As a registered dietician at a hospital and a mother of two, Boehm attested to the positive impact Jackson has had on her family and work life, bringing joy to those around her. She described the constant companionship of Jackson as akin to having a loyal friend by her side, enhancing every aspect of her life.
Boehm initially grappled with the notion of taking a service dog away from someone else in need. However, experiencing the transformative influence of Jackson, she now views him as an irreplaceable gift. She expressed profound gratitude for the life-changing presence of Jackson, remarking, “While my disability persists, it no longer dominates my thoughts. Having Jackson is the closest thing to being free from disability.”