Healing Paws
Sponsors David Padrick and Rebecca Bolon with ICAN Nana and her client Jeff Kviz
Not long ago, Jeff Kviz, a dedicated Air Force veteran, found himself navigating a challenging chapter in his life. He struggled with service-related trauma, battling feelings of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder—symptoms that became increasingly overwhelming.
Realizing he could no longer face this struggle alone, Jeff bravely began researching assistance dogs. This journey led him to ICAN and the discovery of psychiatric service dogs.
He learned that these canines could be trained to recognize and respond to emotional cues, wake him from nightmares, calm his anxiety, and provide the support he had been searching for.
Finally, in the spring of 2024, Jeff was paired with Nana, a beautiful yellow Labrador, sponsored by generous donors Rebecca Bolon and David Padrick. A year after their partnership began, Jeff and Nana reunited with Rebecca and David, who were eager to see how their transformative journey had unfolded.
ICAN Nana by a picture of the “Nana” that inspired her name
“We are absolutely thrilled to witness the amazing difference Nana has made for Jeff,” said David.
Amid shared stories, Jeff described how Nana has become an indispensable part of his life, highlighting her remarkable instincts. “Having her by my side every day helps me tackle daily challenges. There are times when I’m unaware of my anxiety until it peaks, but she’s always there to alert me early on so I can choose whether to step back or face the situation head-on.”
Jeff continued, “Nana learns intuitively. She was trained to nudge me if she senses I am becoming anxious, but she discovered that placing her chin on my leg works even better. If I miss her signals, she becomes insistent to ensure I pay attention.”
During their reunion, David and Rebecca also shared the touching story behind Nana’s name. David’s mother, affectionately known as Nana by he and Rebecca’s children, was tragically taken in a car accident in January 2020. “We always wanted to find a meaningful way to honor her,” David reflected. “Sponsoring a dog felt like the perfect tribute to keep her memory alive.”
David and Rebecca talk with Jeff about Nana’s profound impact on his ability to live a more independent life
Rebecca added, “It really helps us navigate the grieving process.”
As their reunion came to a close, Jeff expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Rebecca and David once more for their incredible support of Nana during her training. They quickly interjected, saying, “We appreciate your thanks, but it’s not about credit. Our deep commitment to ICAN drives us to contribute however we can. Supporting this cause is profoundly meaningful to us, and we are excited to sponsor again in the future.”
In this beautiful tapestry woven by ICAN, the lives of Jeff, Rebecca, and David intertwine in an extraordinary way. Their journey stands as a powerful testament that even amidst profound challenges, compassion and dedication can ignite a path to healing and renewal.
If you’d like to learn how you can sponsor a dog like David and Rebecca, email ICAN Philanthropy Director Samantha Wodecki at swodecki@icandog.org.