OLDHAM COUNTY, Ky. — (WHAS11)-The journey to recovery continues for Shane Roof, who was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM.
He was recently paired with Samson, a rescue dog turned and trained into a service animal.
"Shane had not yet met him before. You can see how he lit up and Samson was so happy to see him," said trainer David Benson, who introduced Samson to Shane.
After his diagnosis, Shane's parents began the process of looking for a service dog to help with his stability and mobility.
Sampson was trained by Benson and inmates at the Kentucky State Reformatory. The Camp K-9 program pairs dogs with those with physical challenges.
"My mission in life is to transform lives with the power of the dog. That's the reason I get up absolutely every single day," Benson said.
The Humane Society of Oldham County's '4Paws4Service' program helped pay for Sampson's training. Since 2010, Benson has been able to help train and place 30 service dogs. "The Humane Society of Oldham County has given me the opportunity in the last nine years to change lives and that is an absolute blessing," he said.
The Humane Society is looking to expand its services and move into a new building.
"We had hoped to break ground this year. That may not come to pass, but you know, it's moving along quite nicely," said Michele Culp, president of the Humane Society.
They've been given almost eight acres of land and a generous donation, but could always accept more. Their target fundraising goal is $1.3 million.
"We've raised half that goal. And we also have a donor that's put up a $250,000 matching challenge," she said.
If you would like more information on the Humane Society of Oldham County, click here.
Contact reporter Robert Bradfield at rbradfield@whas11.com. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.