YORK, Pa. — Throughout the past year, we've collected your nominations for the Jefferson Awards. They're the people you believe go the extra mile for their communities. We have narrowed the field down to the top six nominees and our second nominee this year is being recognized for her work with service dogs.
Linzey Zoccola was just 2 years old when she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She had such a positive experience with her own service dog 20 years ago, that it gave her the idea to start Phoenix Assistance Dogs of Central Pa. in 2009.
Her mission to train puppies to become assistance dogs for individuals living with a disability has not gone unnoticed.
"It's so amazing and just because she has a disability it doesn't let her stop herself from being able to help other people," said Lindsey Edwards, who volunteers with the organization and was one of many who nominated Linzey for a Jefferson Award.
"Even just being there for everybody no matter the time of day it is, she's willing to go out of her way to help other people. I think her determination to help many people is incredible," Edwards said.
Help, she has.
Thanks to her program, she's trained 68 fully working assistance dogs, helping those who are unable to train their own.
Linzey has clients from as far away as California. "It was so fun to watch someone else with a disability discover that same feeling that I felt almost 20 years ago," she told FOX43.
We asked her what her favorite part is. "I think, jokingly, I would say naming the puppies but it's definitely not that. While I do love naming puppies, I think it's being able to work with other individuals with disabilities watch them have experiences similar to," she said.
Being recognized for multiplying dood has been exciting. "It's mind-blowing, to have them feel the profound impact that they're having on the community and to know that they appreciate that work it's just an amazing feeling."
For more information about Phoenix Assistance Dogs of Central Pa., click here.