-Thank You Mr. Conrad-

I will never forget the horrible high-pitched scream my daughter Lula made when she was attacked by a poorly trained dog. She was only 3 years old at the time. She would have to endure months and months of surgeries and hospital visits. The image of her face gushing blood and her eye slowly swelling shut will forever be burned into my memory. I still have a recurring nightmare of her being attacked and me not being able to save her.

This was by far the worst day of my life! I honestly assumed I would hate dogs forever after that because of the pain my daughter experienced.

Never in a million years did I think my next career choice would be “dog training.” Especially not while incarcerated inside a federal prison.

But I think this is how God works. He can take the worst moments of our lives and bring purpose, healing, and beauty out of the pain. If we are willing to open our hearts, God can begin to work in us. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

At my lowest point in federal prison, I was accepted into the dog training program through Can Do Canines. I walked into my new cell and met my puppy Mr. Conrad for the first time. He was this adorable little black ball of fur—50% black lab, 50% golden retriever, and 100% cute.

The day I met Conrad, he looked up at me with his big brown, hopeful eyes, and I stared back at him with eyes filled with pain and struggle. I didn’t know it at the time, but God was about to use Mr. Conrad to heal some very deep wounds in our family.

Day after day, Mr. Conrad kept me busy and inspired me to push through the pain. His hard work and intelligence are exceptional. He absolutely loves to learn and looks forward to it every single day. Conrad continues to show me how amazing dogs can really be. He always gives me extra love on the really hard days when I’m missing Noel, Cambria, Willow, Lula, and Zion. I’m very thankful to have a dog and friend like Mr. Conrad.

Getting the opportunity to train Conrad has been an absolute blessing. Watching his personality blossom has been priceless. He will make an excellent service dog someday soon, and I’m honored that I got to play a small role in his life. In a few short months, Conrad will leave my cell and graduate to final training out in the real world. He is getting close to fulfilling his destiny. Soon he will officially become a service dog.

Once Mr. Conrad leaves this prison, I will never get to see my furry friend again. As I write this letter, my eyes fill with tears just thinking about the moment Conrad walks out my door for the last time. These are not sad tears, but thankful ones.

I’m thankful God brought Conrad into my life when I was at my lowest.
I’m thankful God showed me and my family that not all dogs are bad or dangerous.
I’m thankful that God gave me a new career path as a dog trainer.
I’m thankful that Mr. Conrad is going to a family that desperately needs him. I already know he will be the biggest blessing in their lives. This dog will be a superhero.

Thank you, God, for turning my pain and struggle into something beautiful. Thank you for bringing meaning to my prison journey.

I am truly a blessed man.

Sincerely,
Brett & Mr. Conrad

P.S. My little warrior princess Lula made an incredible recovery, and we plan to train puppies together when I get home. I mean, C’MON!!! How cool is that?!

 

-A Quick Note From Brett's Wife, Noél-

It has been 7 months since my husband surrendered to prison. Two months into Brett’s prison sentence, I unexpectedly lost my job. Fear and panic pulsed through my entire body. I was suddenly an unemployed mom to four little ones with a husband who is incarcerated thousands of miles away from us.

Normally, in times like these Brett is my rock and my person I turn to when crisis hits our family. But, unfortunately right now, he is locked in a federal prison and I am left facing this extreme financial crisis alone. The thought of carrying it all by myself has been paralyzing.

As this new reality has set in, I have felt the overwhelming cloud of depression and anxiety surround me, and pain I would not wish upon my worst enemy. 

THANKFULLY, at my absolute lowest point, people like you have stepped in to pick me up off the ground. You have surrounded me, Cambria, Willow, Lula, and Zion with the utmost love, kindness, and support.

From the bottom of my heart:
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
You’ve helped save me and my family.

I’m doing everything humanly possible to:

-Rebuild our financial situation and create stability for our family

-Homeschool my kids 

-Keep our little family afloat until Brett can come home

All this is not easy and is a constant exhausting juggle, but I’m determined to overcome this massive obstacle and show my kids what their momma is made of.

So many of you have offered to send a financial “gift.” Each generous gift truly helps us:

-Stay in our home

-Catch up on overdue bills

-Create some stability for my kids in this storm

There is absolutely no pressure. But, if this is something that is on your heart to help please send your financial "gift" to any of my following accounts. 

-Venmo: @NoelBartlett 

-Zelle: influenceinnovations@gmail.com

-PayPal: influence innovations LLC  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/RUWMFZF7X6J4Q

-Cash App: @noeldbartlett

 

This is a VERY vulnerable time in our journey. But I am in awe of the people God has brought into our lives and am truly so beyond grateful.

I promise to work hard every single day to provide for my children and get my husband (Brett) back home to us.

Thank you for helping to heal and save our family.

With love, extreme gratitude, and blessings,
Noél