Hundreds Celebrate ECAD's Service Dogs with Stilt-Dancers and Bouncy Castles

For Rolo, ECAD's annual Family Fun Day in Dobbs Ferry is like a family reunion. Rolo works long hours at Engelwood Hospital in New Jersey, helping to comfort and cheer up patients—so spending Sunday lazing on the grass in Waterfront Park watching stilt-walkers and jugglers was a much appreciated respite.

A Pet Therapy dog trained for two years at East Coast Assistance Dogs, Inc., Rolo is well versed  in public etiquette and is able to recognize over 60 commands.

"We got Rolo when he was two years old," said owner Gary Wilhelm, who attended Sunday's fundraiser with Rolo and his three daughters. "I think the way ECAD gives back to hospitals and people with disabilities is great."

Founded in 1995, ECAD is a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places certified assistance dogs with owners who have physical or emotional disabilities. They place dogs with people who have diabetes, children with autism and even

What makes the program especially unique is that many of ECAD's dog trainers are at-risk students at schools such as in Dobbs Ferry and   in Hastings.

"I've had Oakley for eight and a half years, and it's been wonderful," said Briana Bittel. "I have problems with balance and chronic pain, but Oakley helps me get out more. Also, I'm diabetic and Okaley knows when my blood-sugar is low. They say diabetics secrete acetone, which specially-trained dogs can sense. If my blood-sugar drops in my sleep, he wakes me up."

More than 1,000 people came to Dobbs Ferry's Waterfront Park on Sunday to celebrate ECAD and its accomplishments—but also for the unique entertainment, unlimited baked goods and multiple bouncy castles.  

"We have had a very nice turnout this year," said ECAD founder Lu Picard. "Many people have told me we have entertainment here that had never seen before."—

—For instance "Friends in High Places," a troupe of dancers from New York City who perform on stilts. There was a circus area for kids with tightrope walking, hula hoops and juggling. And a number of local restaurants sampled their menus— and s in Dobbs Ferry and in Hastings—just to name a few. 

"Everything we earn from this fundraiser goes to supporting our programs," Picard said. 

And for families like Wilhelm's, Family Fun Day is an event neither he (nor Rolo) would ever miss. 

To help support ECAD, you can make a donation here on their website. To take an active role in the program, you can be trained to take a service dog home for the weekend.