I met Ed at an NFB convention and liked him on the spot. I also remember his devotion to guide dog users and his work to make convention life with a service dog a good experience for both dog and handler.
From: Joseli Walter Added: February 8, 2010
In Ed Eames memory we must never let service dog advocacy slow down. Toni, I am sorry for your loss and wish you much comfort in the months and years ahead.
From: Elaine Added: January 23, 2010
As I understand it, IAADP was founded in response to a problem which could not be solved through existing organizational means.
IAADP has emerged as a moving force in the assistance dog arena and gives credence to the notion that if one can't go through the door, try the window or, make another door.
From: Cheree Heppe Added: December 31, 2009
I was always inspired by Ed. He was the reason I have used a SD and have successfully lobbied for SD law changes in NE. I always read his commentary in Dog World when I was young!
From: Roxann Hamilton, M.Ed. Added: December 24, 2009
While I never had the honor of meetig Ed, I am one of many people who have benefited from his hard work on behalf of service dog owners. My service dog and I are very grateful for the things Ed and Tony have made possible for us by founding IAADP. The world has lost a wonderful man and my prayers and thoughts are with those mourning his loss.
From: Holly and Tetra Davis Added: December 22, 2009
I was pleasantly surprised that my first contact with IAADP resulted in an encouraging e-mail exchange between Ed Eames and myself regarding my service dog, GiGi. He was gently helpful and clarified public access rules for a wee service dog such as GiGi (3.5 pounds). I will be forever grateful for his (and Toni's)persistant advocacy - especially opening doors for folks with invisible disabilities such as myself. Thank you Ed. God bless you! Amena
From: Amena Reess Added: December 21, 2009
In 2002 I was running into some real stone-walling in my attempts to obtain a guide dog. Time after time the response was, "You use your vision!". (True, all 20/420 of it.) Someone, in answer to one of very many email forays, suggested contacting Ed as a good source of support. With his help and encouragement, I persevered and, in the summer of 2003,was paired with a Leader Dog. I don't think I need explain to any of you what a tremendous event this was for me and the great changes it has made in my life. Over the intervening years I had intermittent contact with Ed, and was always warmed by his personal interest and response. Ed, I'll miss you.
From: Phyllis Collett Added: December 20, 2009
Over the many years we have had the pleasure of knowing Ed and Toni,we have enjoyed discussing Ed's research and his work with IAADP. He and Toni have made a big difference in the quality of life for many Fresno citizens. We will miss his humor, his grin, and his humanity.
From: Bob and Olivia Palacio Added: December 10, 2009
As a rehab technologist I came to know Ed and Toni when they asked if I could fix a balky cassette player. The machine was their access to a world of literature we sighted people take for granted, and Ed hovered over me as I peered into its guts. This began my friendship with this driven couple and their house full of animals. I will greatly miss Ed's easygoing style, his understated brilliance, and his hospitality.
From: Howard Hurtt Added: December 10, 2009
Dear Toni, We were fortunate to meet you & Ed at the ADI/IAADP conference in San Diego soon after I graduated with CCI Service Dog Indy (Indira III). We were immediately impressed by your dedication, professionalism and warmth. You invited us to lunch in your suite & we learned firsthand what genuine people you were. In the years since, you both responded to my emails with prompt, accurate information. You also shared your monthly news with us, which has been so appreciated. Your advocacy for the assistance dog movement cannot be measured; you worked selflessly as a team and I know Ed continues to be "by your side," Toni. He is dearly missed but will never be forgotten. With our love & prayers, Mary & Richard
From: Mary Hill & Richard Leste Added: December 7, 2009
From: Joseli Walter
Added: February 8, 2010