A Dog Has Made All the Difference for Wheelchair-Bound Suburban Man

A dog changed a Mokena man's life. 

Brian Swift, a quadriplegic, relies on his golden retriever Einstein for basic tasks—like picking items up off the floor, or opening and closing doors. Beyond that, though, Einstein brightens his life. 

"He's incredible," Swift said, of the dog. "What the dogs give back, it's just incredible."

Swift, 52, has been a quadriplegic for much of his life after suffering a neck injury while playing football as a teen. His wife Monica suggested the idea of purchasing a service dog to assist him, and the pair found My Angels with Paws. The Florida-based company trains and provides service dogs for those in need. 

Swift has started an online fundraising campaign to provide at least three service dogs to those in need.

"The agency has been awesome in helping us get our dog, training him and getting support," Swift said. 

The group is committed to expanding public understanding and knowledge of the needs of children and adults with physical disabilities through the breeding, training, placement and continuing education of service and therapy dogs, according to the website. Mostly golden retrievers like his dog, Swift said the breed is chosen for its temperament. 

Einstein nudges Swift to stay positive and keep moving, he said—which is nothing new for him. After his injury at 17 years old, Swift went on to finish high school, college and law school, and spent much of the last 20 years coaching football, including with the Mokena Burros. He and his wife Monica adopted two boys, 18-year-old Spencer and Callaghan, 11, as well as a daughter, 13-year-old Sydney.He recently wrote a book—" Up: Getting Up is the Key to Life," a story about his life since becoming a quadriplegic 34 years ago, and how he found courage and strength to recover.

Now, he attributes much of his positive attitude to the four-legged, furry friend beside him. 

"There's so many people that need them," Swift said. "It makes everyone happier. It's hard to be mad when you walk in the door, and the dog's mouth is hanging open, those big eyes staring up at you."

Find out more about Swift's book.

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