Outpouring of support results in new service dog

In Violette Nast’s native home, Venhaag, Netherlands, it is custom to bring flowers when visiting. Mary Walker, trainer of Nast’s service dogs, has kept this tradition alive. Pictured is new service dog Abigail with Nast. (Christina Stout photo)

The loyal support from the community has paid off in the matter of a disabled local woman in need of a new service dog.

Valmeyer resident Violette Nast was finally able to bring home the newest member of her family, Abigail.

The service dog recently finished 10 months of training in West Field, N.C., with trainer Mary Walker. The trainer and her daughter, Rachel, accompanied Abigail on the long trip to Valmeyer and will remain for a week to assist with the transition.

The initial greeting between Abigail and her new family was an exciting and entertaining one as she and retiring service dog Petey played in the yard.

Nast said she was “excited and relieved because she knows that help is here,” and knows now she won’t have to worry about current everyday problems such as falling.

Nast has been in a wheelchair for 23 years and relies on the assistance of a service dog to maintain her independence.
Petey has been with her for 10 years and has saved her life countless times by guarding her, bringing her inhaler whenever she struggles to breathe, detecting when blood sugar levels are high or low, and even calling 911.

Petey is now struggling with his own health and although he is retiring, will remain in Nast’s care. Abigail will take over Petey’s everyday activities, including medical services Nast requires.

“When the idea came up of getting a new service dog, I was petrified because of finances,” said Nast, who teaches Sunday school at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia. “I didn’t know what to do, so I contacted my pastors and they told me that we would make it work. Sure enough, everyone in the community rallied as a result of the efforts of St. Paul UCC and it caught on like wildfire. This is the end result. Thank you to everyone in the community that helped raise money and donated to help make Abigail’s homecoming possible.”

Nast is still collecting funds through her GoFundMe account to provide for ongoing care of both Abigail and Petey.

Despite her disability, Nast always keeps a positive outlook and even serves as a motivational speaker.

“Disability does not equal inability” is the quote on her calling card.

(Story provided by Christina Stout)

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