Boston Globe: Guiding an idea from lesson to reality

Kristin Hartness Law, of the nonprofit group Canines for Disabled Kids, used Bronson for support during a service dog demonstration last week for a group of Northeastern University engineering students. (Essdras M Suarez/ Globe Staff)

The project started out simply enough for a group of Northeastern University freshmen: a class assignment to come up with an idea to improve the lives and work of service dogs that help disabled humans.

But something felt incomplete last semester when the seven engineering students handed in designs that would, among other things, relieve pressure from the dogs’ joints and help dogs pull wheelchairs in a straight line. The students wanted more than a class project — they wanted something tangible to offer the people who depend on dogs to guide their way in the dark, alert them at the onset of a seizure, and support them if they start to fall.

“It’s really a need-based area that people don’t really focus on,’’ said student Lexi Hamsmith. “We have the ability to really help people.’’

Taken from Boston.com, by  Akilah Johnson, published February 28, 2011. Read the full article here >