Sean Gould was a Sergeant in the Army, a Purple Heart recipient, and a veteran of the Iraq War. Behind those titles is a story of survival, recovery, and the life-changing partnership that came years later with his service dog, Ernest.
While serving in Iraq, Sean suffered severe burns during a mission. He spent a year in the hospital undergoing recovery and skin graft surgeries. The injuries left him with permanent nerve damage in his legs, pain that can strike without warning and turn even the simplest tasks into unpredictable challenges.
“Simple tasks weren’t simple anymore,” Sean explains. “The pain could hit without warning. I never knew when I’d need help.”
It was Sean’s brother, also a veteran, who connected him to Northeast Canine. That introduction marked the beginning of a new chapter built on trust, steadiness, and companionship.
Years ago, Sean had a Great Dane and fell in love with the breed’s gentle strength. When Meg at Northeast Canine learned this, she knew Ernest, the biggest of the group, could be a perfect fit.
“The minute I met him, it just clicked,” Sean says. “These dogs have the perfect balance. They’re trained to keep you steady, but they’re also loyal companions who help with the invisible challenges that come after military service.”
Ernest’s specialized training allows him to provide physical support, helping Sean maintain balance and reducing the risk of falls during sudden episodes of nerve pain. Beyond the medical assistance, Ernest offers something equally important: presence, confidence, and peace of mind.
“I can rely on him every single time,” Sean says. “He gives me the confidence I need to get through the day without worrying about the little things I couldn’t do before.”
One of the moments that has stayed with Sean came after the pairing. He learned that Ernest’s sponsor, Bob, had supported his care during the entire training process, all so Ernest could be ready for him.
“That kind of generosity is unbelievable,” Sean says. “It changed my life. Stability might not be the first thing people think of when they hear ‘service dog,’ but it should be. Ernest gives me independence, and that means everything.”
Through Northeast Canine, service dogs like Ernest are provided at no cost to the veterans and first responders who need them most. This is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and sponsors like Bob.
Today, Sean and Ernest move through life as a team. From navigating a grocery aisle to facing the invisible weight of PTSD, Sean no longer walks alone.
“I can’t imagine life without him now,” Sean says. “I really can’t.”
At Northeast Canine, that is the mission. To ensure no veteran or first responder has to face their challenges alone.
It takes 18 months and nearly $30,000 to prepare a Dane like Ernest, but our recipients never pay a cent. They’ve already paid with their service. Your support makes these life-changing partnerships possible, ensuring that freedom, mobility, and dignity never come with a price tag.
