Jon, I hear what you say. I think we get more out of the experience than the recipients. I don't handle the dogs for Canine Assistants, who give service dogs, free of all charges, to the handicapped, but I cook for the recipients when they have their 2-week "training camp." The camp is when they receive their dogs (Goldens, generally, but some labs too) and learn how to care for and work with the dogs, which respond to 95 different commands. They are some of the most inspiring and upbeat people I've ever met, despite some of them being in circumstances that would make you weep, especially the kids, some of whom won't see their 16th birthday.
Rita
http://www.canineassistants.org/
Rita
http://www.canineassistants.org/