Dogs Helping People

Ron and I were in the Scripps Lab waiting for him to get blood drawn, and in walks a lady with a beautiful lab/golden retriever dog.  The dog was wearing a jacket identifying him as a canine companion in training.  The woman sat down and of course I started talking to her, wanting to hear all about her role in training a dog to help man.  She was happy to talk.

Although I never got the name of the organization she volunteered for, I do know this.  The organization trains and places canine companions to disabled and handicapped persons and wounded warriors.  They do not train dogs for the blind.  That is another organization.  These dogs, by the time their 18 months of training is completed, know dozens of commands that enable the dogs to assist persons in wheel chairs or walkers, the hard of hearing or those with any affliction that requires assistance.  The woman I talked with was raising her 13th canine companion.  She said that although it was difficult to give up a dog after working with one for 18 months, she knows that another puppy is just around the corner, waiting for her love and training.  Also, she knows that the dog she has just trained is going to a worthy person who is going to have years of love and assistance from the dog she has trained.  For many, a canine companion enables them to get back into society, out in the world, and live a complete and satisfying life.

Thank you to all the men and women that volunteer their time and expertise to making programs like this work.  They are truly making a difference!