Nurse and Service Dog Build a Life of Independence
Key Takeaways:
- Twenty-six-year-old nurse Leigh Dittman works at Moffitt Cancer Center with her service dog, Nerf, who supports her throughout her daily routine
- Dittman lives with brittle bone disease, a genetic condition that makes her bones fragile and prone to breaking
- Nerf, provided by Canine Companions, assists with tasks such as picking up dropped items, opening doors and pulling her wheelchair when needed
Each day, as 26-year-old Leigh Dittman begins her work as a nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center, her service dog, Nerf, walks beside her.
When people see a dog like Nerf, their attention is often drawn to the dog’s remarkable training, discipline and ability to assist with daily tasks. While the dog’s skills may attract attention, it is the story of the person holding the leash that reveals the true impact of the partnership.
Road to Independence
Dittman was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. The rare condition is a genetic disorder that impacts connective tissue, making bones fragile and prone to breaking.
Nerf helps Dittman pick up dropped items, open doors and even pulls her in her wheelchair when needed. He came into her life eight years ago, right before she started college at The University of Tampa.
“He was such a large part of me being able to be independent and successful in college and beyond,” Dittman said.
A Regular at Moffitt
Dittman and Nerf were paired up through a nonprofit organization called Canine Companions that provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities.
Dittman completed two weeks of training to learn Nerf's commands before bringing him home from Canine Companions.
After helping her navigate her college years, Nerf began coming to work at Moffitt with Dittman four months into her role as the primary nurse for Moffitt’s GeneHome Clinic.
The GeneHome Clinic is a hereditary clinic that sees patients who have had genetic testing and been found to carry a change in a gene that can cause cancer.
“Most days, I’m in the clinic seeing patients for their annual or biannual visits, completing assessments and providing support and education,” Dittman said. “Nerf is with me every day, supporting me in my routine so I can show up at my best and be part of the team caring for our patients.”
Dittman can’t help but notice the many smiles that fill the room when she walks in with Nerf by her side. One moment is etched in her mind: when a family friend was admitted to Moffitt after undergoing surgery.
“Nerf was very sweet and gentle with her, as if he understood she was not feeling well,” Dittman said. “It always amazes me how in tune he can be with the needs of others, and so that was a special moment for us.”
From helping Dittman thrive in college to accompanying her as she cares for patients at Moffitt, Nerf has been there every step of the way — proving that the strongest partnerships are built on trust, perseverance and an unbreakable bond.
“Nerf is an absolute love bug,” Dittman said. “He is a big, gentle giant.”
