You don’t have to be a service dog handler to appreciate the significance of a moment like this. After spending two years waiting for a match, Courtney Echerd finally met the pup who would become her service companion. The meeting was captured on video, showing an instant connection between the pair. According to Echerd, it felt like a “pre-match made in heaven.”
Human meets their service dog after waiting for two years
Courtney Echerd, who shares her life on Instagram under the handle @courtneyonone, had spent two years waiting to be paired with a service dog. As a disability advocate and survivor, she knew firsthand how valuable a service animal could be. However, finding the right match requires time.
Her journey took a major turn when she received a phone call from her service dog provider. In a video posted to her page, Echerd can be seen listening as she is told that she has officially been matched with a male yellow Labrador-Golden Retriever cross. The caller explains that the dog is eager to work and would happily do anything for her.
The news leaves Echerd visibly stunned. Covering her mouth with her hand, she struggles to hide her excitement as the reality of the moment sinks in. She is then invited to attend a training class, where she will meet the dog in person and learn more about working with her new partner. Without hesitation, Echerd enthusiastically confirms that she will be there.
A more recent video documents that long-awaited meeting. Sitting in class, Echerd waits as a handler brings the dog into the room. The moment they see each other, the connection appears instant. Echerd greets the dog with affection, and the pup quickly settles into her lap, happily accepting cuddles and attention.
In the caption, Echerd said the pairing was a “pre-match made in heaven,” and many viewers agreed. “He worked so hard to meet you,” one person wrote. Another joked, “Why’s this video so blurry,” implying they were tearing up while watching.
A third user added, “These dogs somehow just KNOW when their person is there…” Judging by Echerd and her new companion’s first meeting, that sentiment may not be far from the truth.
The post Human & Service Dog Are ‘Pre-Match Made in Heaven’ & This Video Is Proof appeared first on DogTime.
