Posted Thursday, July 23, 2009 --- 10:00 p.m.

They say a dog is man's best friend, and that has been the case for Dee Sullivan since 1995, when her world was turned upside down.

"I lost my vision, my speech, my swallow, both arms and both legs," recalls Dee, "I was paralyzed."

At the age of 31, Dee was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

"My speech disorder is caused by MS," she explains, "People think I'm not smart or they think I'm a child so it's hard to get respect."

She has spent the last 14 years working to regain her life with the help of a service dog named Vortex.

"I had to learn how to drive again, learn how to walk and use my hands again," she says, "It's been a long haul."

After nine and a half great years, Vortex was forced to retire.

"I was heartbroken," recalls Dee, "I was really worried I wouldn't be able to afford one."

The Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs, or WAGS, trains the dogs for two years.

They put about $15,000 into each dog and provide them to people with disabilities for $6,000.

"When we're about to place a dog, the public support to come out and help pay for the dog has always been enormous," says WAGS Executive Director Aaron Backer, "Nobody has ever had an issue affording one of our service dogs."

In Dee's case, Susan Lampert Smith wrote a column in the Wisconsin State Journal, and the checks came rolling in.

"It was very humbling," says Dee with a smile, "It meant a whole lot but all I could do was cry. Everyday I'd read the mail and I'd cry because it was like oh my God, I can't believe this."

In May, Henna graduated from WAGS and was placed with Dee.

"She makes me feel safer not vulnerable," explains Dee, "If I fall down, I have her to help me get up. I drop my cane all the time, and she can get it for me or my keys. She can get them for me."

In two months, Henna has become Dee's trusted companion and friend.

"All these strangers that did this for me," Dee says as she shakes her head, "It makes a difference when you know that you're not alone. You're not struggling on your own up against this disease. In the day-to-day life there are people out there who care."

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There are more than 10 people right now who are waiting for a service dog.

WAGS is getting at least three puppies in the new few months and will be looking for volunteers to help train the dogs.

For more information, go to www.wags.net.

To sign up for the MS 150, go to www.wisms.org.

If you would like to ride on Leigh's team, go to www.sonicstreamers.org.