June 14, 1995  -  May 2, 2007
*Click here for Aspen's Obituary*

2006 AKC ACE AWARD
WINNER of the SERVICE DOG AWARD

*Click here for another story written by Katherine*

Aspen was also AKC's 2002 Honorable Mention for the ACE Award.

From the AKC Website:

Service Dog: Aspen

Labrador Retriever
Owner: Katherine R. Huggins of Enid, Oklahoma

Aspen, an 11 year old yellow Labrador Retriever, has been Katherine Huggins' constant partner since puppyhood. Katherine, suffering from Cerebral Palsy, chronic pain and seizures, purchased Aspen with the intention of training her as a service dog. At 6 months of age, she revealed that she was able to predict Katherine's seizures up to 30 minutes in advance, thus enabling Katherine to regain control of her life.

Working as a team, Katherine and Aspen have set no boundaries. Katherine is a Public Fire & Life Safety Educator, teaching safety and rescue procedures to rescuers and fire departments. The team provides demos for rope and water rescues, teaching valuable lessons to rookies and seasoned firefighters alike. "Aspen helped me realize that my disability doesn't define me. I define myself by my abilities," says Katherine.

In 2000 Aspen won the Delta Society Beyond Limits Award as Central Region Service Dog of the Year. Aspen's achievements have inspired Katherine to share her training methods with countless others, including 130 veterinary referrals. Katherine has decided to start a service dog training center in Enid, Oklahoma, which she hopes will train and match service dogs with disabled children ages 10-18.

At 11 years of age, Aspen has lost her vision, but not her trust in Katherine. Just as Aspen adjusted to her owner's disabilities, Katherine now works to ensure that Aspen maintains the same quality of life. The bond of trust they share is indestructible and gets them through the trials they face each and every day.