Liv & Avril

Side By Side

Sometimes, if someone is lucky, a special dog comes into their life and changes everything for the better.

For Liv, a vibrant young woman, audiologist, and T10 paraplegic, that special dog is her service dog, Avril. An affectionate, loving black Labrador retriever, Avril was custom trained by Freedom Service Dogs (FSD) and partnered with Liv in 2025.

Avril helps Liv navigate the everyday challenges of life with greater independence, confidence, and comfort. Along the way, Avril has also become her best friend, biggest cheerleader, and everyday game changer. For Liv, Avril is much more than an assistance dog…she is a lifeline who opens doors of possibility.

We spoke with Liv about her partnership with Avril, the independence she has gained through their partnership, and the many ways her extraordinary service dog has changed her life.

Q: What was life like before Avril?

A: Before Avril, my life was ‘doable,’ but it definitely wasn’t easy. As a full-time wheelchair user, I’ve spent the past 17 years making sure that I am equipped to handle anything life throws at me as independently as possible. But that amount of time in a wheelchair takes a toll on your body. Simple things like bending over and picking things up from the ground was dangerous and exhausting. Pulling open doors was hard on my shoulders and carrying more than two things on my lap was next to impossible, so I resorted to holding things in my mouth. Simple things that seem so easy can have such a large effect on me physically.

Q: Tell us about the first time you met Avril and how you knew she was the right partner for you.

A: I was on the waitlist for about 6-8 months before coming in to meet a few potential service dogs. I met Avril first, and it was love at first sight. She sat in front of me and offered her paw to hold, all while I was told that she doesn’t know the task “paw” and she doesn’t normally hold people’s hands. It was like she chose me. I knew after meeting Avril that she was supposed to be mine.

Driving home after meeting her, I was listening to my “early 2000s” playlist, and the first song that came on was “Tomorrow” by Avril Lavigne, who she was named after. I took it as a sign that Avril really was supposed to be with me.

The rest is really just history.

Q: Since becoming partners, you’ve attested to the independence, adventure, hope, and comfort she has brought to your life. Can you tell us more about how she helps you on a daily basis and in a broader sense?

A: Avril is my best friend who has helped make my life a little less stressful. Every day with her feels like an adventure and she’s become such a bright light in my life.

All the simple tasks that took a toll on my body are now a lot easier with my helper. She picks things up from the ground, especially my phone when I drop it. She pushes buttons to open up accessible doors for me and is working on carrying my water bottle long distances. But most of all, she’s my best friend and gives me so much emotional support and confidence. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression all my life, and when I’m feeling anxious, focusing on Avril grounds me. She’s a light on my dark days whenever I need her to be.

Q: What do you and Avril like to do together and what are some things you hope to do more of with her by your side?

A: As much as I love when Avril is working, I also love the days when she gets to just be a “dog”. I love watching her play with other dogs, play fetch, and frolic around the yard like a puppy. Even when she’s “off duty” she’s always coming to check in on me to make sure it’s not time to get back to business.

I’ve also had the chance to travel on an airplane with Avril last year, and will be doing it again in the near future. I love traveling with her because of the calmness she brings, but I also love seeing how efficient and well-behaved she is when I need her to be. I’m hoping to do a lot more traveling with her by my side.

Q: What do you think Avril’s life philosophy is and what are the biggest lessons she’s taught you?

A: I think the biggest lesson that Avril has taught me is to slow down and enjoy the moments that I’m in.

She’s always efficient and makes sure she is doing things correctly. If she picks up my phone at a weird angle, she will start over again until she gets it right. I love watching her take slow strolls down the street and look at birds or butterflies or squirrels. She’s reminded me to slow down in life.

Q: Why should others consider supporting FSD?

A: FSD is helping give people their independence back. People with disabilities, whether it be physical, cognitive, or emotional, deserve their independence. These dogs are so special and are able to connect with their handlers on a level I’ve never seen before.

I’ve also seen how much work and time goes into training these dogs and the love they receive before being placed with their handlers. FSD is a remarkable organization, and the more support we give, the more dogs they can place and the more independence they can help cultivate.