Eleven-year-old Jacob Arnett, has Angelman Syndrome, a rare, complex genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. His condition causes developmental delay, intellectual disability and problems with speech, movement and balance. His condition is further complicated by hyperactivity and a short attention span.

However since last August, Jacob has been finding out what life with an Assistance Dog is like with his big yellow lab named Skelly.

Some Oklahomans need "a new leash on life". An Oklahoma non-profit by that name makes it their mission to hand them one-- with a cold nose and a warm furry muzzle at the other end.

Barbara Lewis, president, said A New Leash on Life, Inc. was founded to improve people's lives by utilizing the special abilities of dogs. New Leash trains Assistance Dogs for people with disabilities; Therapy Dogs to cheer the elderly and motivate children learning to read or in therapy; and Companion Dogs for adoption from unwanted shelter dogs through an inmate training program at a local correctional facility.

The New Leash training facility sits on 40-acres just south of Blanchard on property Lewis' family has owned since 1960's. New Leash also has offices in Norman and will soon in Oklahoma City. Companion dogs are trained by inmates from the CCA Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville.