As a puppy, I had a head injury that resulted in both of my eyes being removed and permanent breathing challenges when I sleep. At ten months old, my owners put me in the car and I was excited that we were going for an outing together. We got out of the car and entered a building; I met some new friends that were giving me lots of TLC. Then I heard the door close, and the familiar sound of the car starting and driving away. Did they forget me!?! I didn’t realize until later what had happened. They didn’t forget me; they left me behind! My heart sank! I turned to my new friends at the Klamath Animal Shelter. They sat with me, hugged me, talked to me, and told me that everything would be okay. I was confused and scared, but I knew that they were there to help me.

Though life as I knew it had ended, I was determined to keep my positive outlook. I began using my other senses, the love in my heart, and my many blessings to brighten the days of everyone that I met.

A new chapter of my life opened when Marcie and Rodney Beedy recognized my potential to be a part of the community as a working therapy dog. They adopted me, named me “Xander”, and my journey has been amazing!

When the Beedy family met Xander, they saw something special in him and knew he could improve the lives of others.  The Beedys’ new dog Xander soon passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen test and became a certified therapy dog, visiting hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and abused children.  Even without sight, Xander has an extraordinary ability to sense humans in need. His gentle, calm demeanor has provided unmatched comfort for so many.