Our Heartfelt sympathies go out to Jodie Dilno on the loss of Wilson the service dog who passed unexpectedly Wednesday evening, May 20, 2026.
Wilson served diligently for over seven years as a mobility assistance and memory assistance dog for Jodie who survived a vehicle versus moped accident in which she sustained substantial permanent spine and limb injuries as well as a traumatic brain injury. Through years of treatment and programs with Mary Free Bed Hospital, Jodie has made progress, and been able to return to teaching art twice per week to students at Arts In Motion in Grand Rapids. Wilson increased Jodie's independence such that she no longer needed the assistance of drop in community supports during the week and truly lived alone for the first time in a decade.
At the end of last week, Wilson seemed to be a bit lethargic but on Monday, needed urgent care, then Emergency ER admission which he did not come home from. His specialists believe he was exposed to an environmental trigger, and developed immune mediated thrombocytopenia (ITPP).
Extraordinary measures were taken to try to diagnose and treat Wilson to keep him with Jodie, even if he needed to be medically retired, so that he could assist in helping to train a new service dog puppy that has already been scheduled to arrive the end of September, and we had been "talking" to Wilson about needing him to "coach" through the next eighteen to twenty-four months of that puppy's training before Wilson could have the full retirement life.
In today's economy, fundraising dollars are stretched very thin, PWDS is asking for any help for Jodie to cover Wilson's medical bills and her new service dog puppy funding and training. Due to her medical disability, she is on extremely limited funds.
The donations can be in monetary form, see the link below, or if you have returnable cans/bottles, we are happy to come pick up bags to make the exchange, see that link below as well. Please pass on this information and links to those who might assist.
Thank you, Professional Working Dog Services Board of Directors, Handlers, and those who loved Wilson