High 5: Family Giving Back With Service Puppies

SPANISH FORK, Utah – A Utah County family has made it their mission to give back in an extraordinary way – by gifting service puppies to families who can’t afford the extra expense due to medical bills.

Nicole Herbst and her seven children breed and raise “Amazing Goldens” with the goal of helping children and adults in the Beehive State who live with disabilities.

“We really help with all disabilities,” Herbst said. “We’ve worked with veterans homes, we’ve worked with children with autism, we’ve worked with mobility support.”

Handing over a pup with just the right temperament for each family is crucial.

“We certify all our dogs to make sure we are breeding healthy puppies,” said 16-year-old Ashlyn Herbst.

Ashlyn and her 14-year-old sister, Gracie, have taken the lead on caring for the dogs while also managing the Amazing Goldens website and social media accounts.

“I do all the social media for us,” Gracie said.

That work not only leads to forever homes, but it also leads to fur-ever friendships.

“Every time you see a kid’s face to come pick up a puppy, whether they are disabled or not, they’re so happy,” Ashlyn said.

The Herbsts have been making families happy since 2008, and the passion to pay it forward seems to be in their genes as well.

“With everything I’ve been given and blessed with,” Ashlyn said, “the least I can do is help give back a little bit.”

That good work doesn’t come cheap, though.

COMING UP NEXT! If you need an uplifting story involving adorable puppies and amazing people giving back to those in need then you'll want to watch this NEW KSL High 5 from @FeliciaKSL. I love this story! ❤️ #allthefeels #utah #ksltv @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/gLgibXG7KV

— Shara Park (@KSLSharaPark) January 22, 2020

By selling some puppies, they are able to afford to gift others to low-income families who can’t afford a service dog due to medical expenses.

Along with the KSL High 5, America First Credit Union had something for the humans behind Amazing Goldens.

“We definitely recognize the effort you put forth in the community and want to give you $500 to help with your puppies,” said Brad Laing from America First Credit Union.

“It actually makes me feel like I’m doing some good in this world,” Ashlyn said.

To nominate someone for a KSL High 5, send an email to High5@ksl.com.