Meet Our Founder
In 2010, a freak accident changed Janie Lynn Heinrich’s life forever. Facing a spinal injury, she refused to give up her independence. With her Poodle, Phoebe, and a team of dedicated therapists and trainers, Janie rebuilt her world, one step at a time. Together, they proved that determination, teamwork, and love can turn limitations into liberation, creating barrier-free pathways.
When Phoebe retired, Janie discovered how many others faced barriers to getting service dogs, especially those over 55. Instead of accepting “no,” she created a “yes”, founding MobilityDog, a nonprofit dedicated to training service dogs, empowering handlers, and building community through compassion and inclusion. Through educational workshops, we reach out to the community, inviting everyone to take the opportunity to say “yes,” we will be barrier-free and welcome all.
At MobilityDog, we believe independence should be joyfully putting the FUN in FUNctional. Each service dog team is a partnership built on trust, resilience, and presence. As our handler Carlos Benavides reminds us, we’re all “TAB” — Temporarily Able-Bodied, a reminder that ability can change in an instant, and empathy must always lead the way. There is nothing we cannot accomplish with an adaptable tool.
The nature of working with people is to understand that it is a process; each day is different. We must accept the reality of medical conditions and step into each unique situation with the honor and knowledge they practice. A Service Dog (SD) is not for everyone, but the possibilities are endless for those with a living medical equipment. Each SD Team has its style and grace, living on its terms. We can only create a healthy mingling environment, a strong community. The sparkle and determination to live life to the fullest make the best SD Handlers. (A handler is a person with a disability using the service dog as their medical equipment.)
The observations that resonate with my heart and mind are that we need to listen, observe, and be as present as possible. The SD understands their handler regardless of their abilities on any given day, as they pay attention to each cell. They intuitively know which task and pathway to follow to keep everyone safe and moving while working together. We only need to listen, pay attention, and be present, as these incredible teams flourish.
With service dog Beckett by her side, Janie continues to prove that true independence is not about moving alone; it’s about strolling forward, together. “ With SD Beckett at my side, I am self-reliant.” -Janie
