A Service Dog Named Slugger

by Leigh Brill
(Roanoke, VA)

Leigh and Slugger

Virginia writer Leigh Brill was struggling to graduate from college despite her worsening cerebral palsy when she was paired with a wonderful service dog, a golden Lab named Slugger. Slugger transformed Leigh’s life, inspired her to become a motivational speaker, and even played a part in her romance with her future husband.

Leigh wrote A DOG NAMED SLUGGER in Slugger’s honor and in Slugger’s memory. Now paired with her second golden Lab service dog, Kendie (who was “trained” by Slugger during his retirement years), Leigh is an advocate for service dogs and service dog organizations.

In Leigh’s own words:

My ankle gave in. I stumbled forward, fighting to regain some balance. Then I crashed. The rough ground tore my skin. Even in fourth grade I already knew the only thing worse than falling in front of my classmates was letting them see me cry, so I swallowed hard against the sobs rising in my throat.

A boy yelled, “Why do we got to have a hop-along on our team? She’s nothing but a cripple.” Such taunts echoed through my childhood.

Today, the sneers were silenced. When Slugger and I made our way down the hall to where Vickie, his trainer, waited, we moved slowly, awkwardly; but we moved together.

After a lifetime of struggling to keep up with others, I found myself accompanied by an incredible dog, one willing to walk beside me at my pace.

I grinned at Vickie. She didn’t return my smile. Tears made wet, serpentine tracks down her face. Suddenly I felt as if my heart had plunged into my stomach.

“What’s wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong,” Vickie answered. “That’s just it; it’s right.”

She brushed a tear from her cheek and continued, “I know this dog, and when I see how he responds to you, there’s no doubt in my mind. You two are destined to be a team. That’s more than my hunch. It’s something Slugger knows.”


Nancy's Note: Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story with us, Leigh. I look forward to reading your book soon.

Although Slugger and Kendie are Labrador Retrievers, I've chosen to include them here at Lovable Golden Retriever because both Goldens and Labs are exceptionally compassionate and talented service dogs, and worthy of our praise. Both breeds have played vital roles in the lives of many people, and are deserving of our respect.

I'm so glad you and Slugger were paired up, and I know Kendie will continue to enrich your life.