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GRAFTON, Mass. — The Daily Voice accepts signed, original letters to the editor. Letters may be emailed to grafton@dailyvoice.com.
To the Editor,
Jack Sheridan has been a citizen of Grafton for more than 30 years and has served his community as a Boy Scout assistant troop leader and a lector at St. Mary’s Parish.
He and his wife, Linda, raised three children here – two sons who have both served as call firefighters for Grafton and a daughter who volunteers as a CCD teacher at St. Mary’s Parish.
Jack worked every day to provide for his family and was the epitome of a good husband, father and friend.
Seven years ago, life for the Sheridans was flipped upside down after Jack had open heart surgery. Soon after the operation, dementia began to take hold.
At only 64, Jack has lost his ability to drive, his way with words and worst of all, his memory. Jack cannot be left by himself because he no longer has the ability to complete even the simplest tasks. His family fears that he will leave the house, wander off and not be able to find his way home.
The Sheridans have been searching for a way to give Jack a better quality of life, and a service dog specially trained in assisting an owner with dementia is the best option.
Unfortunately, service dogs are expensive. The organization, a California-based nonprofit called My Dog Wish, charges $10,000.
Jack has never asked or expected anything from anyone. He has always given selflessly to his community and would appreciate any and all donations.
If you would like to help, donations may be made to:
Jack Sheridan Dog Wish Fund
c/o Savers Bank
96 Worcester St.
North Grafton, MA. 01536.
Thank you in advance for your kindness and support during this difficult time.
— Patrick Sheridan and Rebeccah Quist
Comments (4)
Health insurance should be covering that cost imo. If these dogs are really helpful to people with Mr. Sheridan's condition, how can they justify not paying for it? I hope for the family's sake you can raise the funds needed. You should put up a free website with an instant tracker so that the town can see how close to your goal you are.
Is there any way to donate online?
What happens to the money collected if less than $10,000 is raised and they are unable to get the dog?
MeeMee - The Sheridans are planning on the Service Dog regardless of whether or not $10,000 is raised. All donations are sincerely appreciated! Thanks for your interest!