This past year, like many before it, came with its share of challenges and changes. As time passed, age and health concerns became more pressing, and I found myself facing a difficult but necessary decision — it was time to retire my beloved service dog, Teddy. With my medical needs evolving and my energy levels no longer what they once were, I knew I couldn’t go through the demanding process of training another service dog on my own. So, over five years ago, I began the search for a professionally trained service dog. Understanding that the wait for a qualified dog could be several years, I turned to Google — and that’s how I found Above the Clouds Service Dogs (ATC).

From the beginning, Barrett Stensgaard, the founder, stood out. She took time to speak with me at length, explaining her program, training philosophy, and the temperament of her dogs. Though I wasn’t ready for a new dog at the time, she patiently answered every question I had, and her depth of knowledge and compassion made a lasting impression. Years passed, and when I was finally ready to move forward, I reached back out — and to my surprise and gratitude, Barrett remembered me. We picked up right where we left off.

She was transparent about the matching process, explaining that while some dogs might seem like a good fit initially, final placements would depend on how each dog matured. This honesty was incredibly reassuring. The ATC team — Barrett, Tim Stensgaard, Shiloh Grimm, and the entire organization —worked tirelessly to match me with a dog before the start of the school year. I was paired with Icarus, a striking black and white Yakutian Laika, and earlier this month, my husband and I flew to Colorado to meet him.

From the moment we arrived, I was met with kindness, professionalism, and an overwhelming sense of welcome. I was carefully coached on how to work with Icarus, and every step of the transition was handled with thoughtfulness and expertise. When our rental car got a flat tire and didn’t have a spare, Tim even came to our rescue — a gesture that speaks volumes about the character of this team. I also had the privilege of working with Shiloh, an exceptional trainer who brought both insight and warmth to the process. Throughout our visit, Barrett and Tim made sure I felt supported, empowered, and prepared to bring Icarus home. Their dedication is nothing short of inspiring.

ATC welcomed us not just into their program, but into their family. The work they do is not easy — breeding, raising, and training service dogs is a demanding, emotionally intense vocation. And yet, Barrett, Tim, and Shiloh pour their hearts into every dog and every client. What they’ve built is extraordinary. Icarus began alerting and tasking within hours of meeting me — a testament to the rigorous and thoughtful training he received. He is not just a dog; he is a life-changing partner. I will be forever grateful to ATC for their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. In a world where true care and excellence can be hard to find, Above the Clouds Service Dogs stands out as a rare and remarkable organization. Barrett and her team are, quite honestly, miracle workers. I believe there are people who are simply meant to be in your life — and the team at ATC is among them.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

~ Loreanny Medina-Merrill