Meet Donna: The Service Dog Changing an Artist's Life

One day, Bracha Fischel, a talented artist from Tiberias, found her life turned upside down. From being active and sporty, she became paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, waking up one morning with extreme pain in her legs and arms, leaving her limbs paralyzed. Despite this life-changing challenge, she didn't sink into depression and learned how to continue painting.

About a year ago, Fischel was gifted Donna, a service dog. Donna helps Bracha with daily tasks such as picking up items and opening doors, but she also does something extraordinary – assists Bracha in creating art by bringing her everything she needs to complete her work.

Since becoming paralyzed, Bracha taught herself to paint using her mouth. Donna instinctively brings her paintbrushes, allowing Bracha to keep doing what she loves most.

In a video she posted on social media, Bracha sits in her wheelchair in front of a canvas while Donna hands her the paintbrush. Additionally, Donna assists Bracha with routine tasks and even helps her eat. "She's probably the first dog who knows how to do this," Bracha said, "and she always does it with great joy – I couldn't do it without her."