We have a family friend that we met through Service Dog Project. SDP is the kind of place that has a magic about it that brings good people together to do great things. Dave is an OIF III veteran and a recipient of a service Dane, but this post is not so much about him but his character and, further, the character he and his wife have instilled in their family. There is something about Dave and the entire Chevalier family that allowed a quick bond to extend all the way down through the children in each of our families. I know we all try to instill the values of being kind to all and help where you can. Dave and his family live by the service ideal and I admire that and hope this post lives up to his example.
The story begins a few months ago, on the last day of school for Dave’s son Nate. Nate and the family relinquished their gas money and walked to his final exams. This is a trek of about 18 miles and made it on time. Why? They did this in order to be able to afford to donate something to Nate’s friend Wyatt, who is an amazing athlete. He also happens to be disabled, and aspires to break track records but instead broke the chair he had. (These chairs cost in the neighborhood of, and often well over $3000). Recently Dave donated a van to Service Dog Project that his family had outgrown. The sale of this van was going to help to add to the fund for Wyatt’s new chair, but no more. Dave did this simply because the need was there at SDP and he saw no better home for it than an organization that breeds, trains and then donates service Danes to those of us whose lives they can improve. Dave gave this gift but you can see it came at a price; a price he paid without so much as a second thought, I’m sure. The cost, as it turns out continues to be paid because once this van made it to SDP he had no way to make the return trip of about 145 miles. While at SDP he has been volunteering on several projects. He is so dedicated to the cause, as a matter of fact, he has turned down my personal offer to clear my schedule and get him back home!
I’m sharing this short story, as an appeal to help a friend. I know that there is power in our intention to create good in this world. I also know from reading the feedback we receive on this blog that Casper changes lives for so many more than just me. If you my dear readers are able, please consider donating to Wyatt on behalf of Casper. To do this all I ask for is a dollar. That’s it, just a single dollar. You’ll see a graphic on the right of this post for “Dave’s Wheelchair Fund”. If you can please send that dollar to:
Service Dog Project
DWC Fund
37 Boxford Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
SDP has been gracious enough to take up this cause and collect your donations. They are a fun bunch so if you’d like to have some fun with it write on the back of the envelope Casper the Friendly Dane and let everyone know that you, as a follower of this blog, have helped Wyatt in his time of need. Remember, even $1 helps. If you cannot donate we understand. We ask that you share this cause though, through email, on Facebook, and by word of mouth. The love you have shown has shown us that you are people full of the helping spirit and that, friends, is enough.
written by DFS
Tagged: disability, disability awareness, disable athlete, donations, fundraising, racing wheelchair, sdp, service dog project, wheelchair
Casper the Friendly Dane 
Is there any other way to make a small donation for the wheelchair fund? I’m in Germany and don’t have any dollar bills at hand. Exchanging such small amounts of money usually isn’t allowed.
I don’t think there is any other way set up. I will check and see if Wyatt has a PayPal account.
Dan just did a little checking and might have a solution for you. If you go to http://servicedogproject.org/index.php/donating it will take you to the SDP PayPal account. There is a field labeled
“Add special instructions to the seller:” where you can specify that you want the money to go to the DWC fund. YAY! Dan is so smart. 🙂
Thank you! I didn’t think of that myself, although I always use Paypal for my donations. I wanted to make one anyway, so I’ll just add a note saying they should take a dollar or two away and add it to the wheelchair fund.
Give Casper and Dan a hug from me.
Sooooo how is Dave to get home? Has this been solved. Can we send a bus ticket or such?
At this time I am not sure. He might be planning to stay through Sunday Stew. Dan was going to take Wednesday off and go get him. (SDP is 2 hours from us, but David is about 3 hours in another direction so it is an all day thing.) But Dave had committed to a project there and was not ready to come back. This weekend we can’t help because we have the human puppies and also I have a TON of chores and schoolwork to be done. We are hoping he found some way.
OH, and I don’t think there would be bus service between SDP and his place, unfortunately. That is a really sweet gesture, though.
Contribution is on the way for Dave’s Wheelchair Fund. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. It is always a blessing to help a good and caring family. And for sweet Casper, I’m sending a big hug.
Operation: Wheelchair for Wyatt!! Thanks for posting this worthwhile cause; the more people who read this blog, the sooner Wyatt gets his wheelchair. I love “knowing” wonderful people who give back. You make the world a better place. Love to you all, and of course, to our wonderful Casper… ❤
Casper, I knew you were placed with a special family, because you are a special boy!! I will definitely be donating in your name. Working together, we can make a difference in Wyatt’s life! Hugs to you sweet boy, and your loving family!!!!
I sent my donation the first day I saw that Carlene was kind enough to accept the donations. After reading your blog (I do all the time) I am going to send another so I can write on the back of the envelope “Casper the Friendly Dane”!!!!!
Yesterday’s envelope already gone so didn’t get the Casper seal of approval but the one tomorrow will definitely have it noted. What caring, generous people you are and all who seem to gravitate to SDP. Thank you for all you do. Hugs to Casper of course and the whole family. Together we will make a difference for Wyatt.
Awesome for sharing this, Casper! I’m proud that my fancy artwork has made it to your blog….LOL!
I love the graphic you made!