Independence Dogs, Inc. (IDI), a nonprofit organization founded in 1984, provides highly trained service dogs for children and adults with mobility impairments. These special dogs provide all the physical, psychological, and therapeutic support their human partners need to lead full, productive, independent lives.

M. Jean King and Darshan

Our History
Independence Dogs, Inc. (IDI)  is the only service dog organization whose founder and CEO is herself mobility-impaired.  Can you imagine what it’s like to be an active, independent adult and suddenly need a baby-sitter or constant companion? That’s what happened to M. Jean King. A clinical microbiologist, concert organist, and amateur athlete, Jean contracted tuberculosis of the spine at the age of 39 and was told she would spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Jean discovered that having to rely on others for everything from going shopping to picking up a dropped pen was more debilitating than the actual handicapping condition. She lost much more than her ability to walk; she lost her sense of identity and self-respect.In 1984, after spending 14 years being dependent on others, Jean founded Independence Dogs, Inc. She trained her own dog Shantih to help her in much the same way a guide dog assists a blind person. When Jean realized that Shantih had given her life back to her, she knew that she had to share this wonderful gift with others. Today, Independence Dogs, Inc. is dedicated to making the dream of independence come true for children and adults with physical disabilities.

Shantih The First Independence Dog

Jean King knows the everyday realities of life with a physical disability.  She understands the special physical needs of the mobility-impaired, and she knows all too well the isolation, depression, and hopelessness that often come with physical disability.  It is Jean's personal and primary belief that IDI is unique in that it graduates a working team, not just a dog.  Jean used her own experience to develop IDI's unique teaching philosophy and techniques.  But it was not enough for Jean to become a nationally recognized authority on training service dogs and to impart her special knowledge to the trainers who work for her; she has also passed on her understanding and compassion for people with mobility impairments, and it is that spirit of empathy that characterized IDI today.  Understanding all the challenges facing our recipients -- both their physical and their emotional needs -- is of critical importance to us, and it is what sets us apart from other service dog schools.  

As a result of the efforts of Jean and IDI's full time and volunteer staff, IDI is one of a handful of schools recommended by the Delta Society for our adaptability to serve exceptional cases.