Huck's new job

As you know from an earlier post (Nov 27, 2011), I have been hosting and working with an assistance dog-in-training. Huck is the 4th dog in the partnership project with North Star Foundation (Connecticut) and the Veterans  Transitional Housing Program (Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs) located in Port Orchard, Washington. This project began when Ray Switzer, who manages the Veterans program, and Patty Gross, founder of North Star, began imagining the benefits of matching emotionally sensitive dogs (bred to assist autistic children) with veterans living with psychological trauma.

Once a young dog has been selected for this project, he is taught basic obedience, exposed to a variety of public environments and begins to learn specific tasks that will assist his future veteran. Some tasks might be picking up objects and bringing them when asked, activating an access button for an automatic door and turning in a circle to "wipe" his paws.

At about 18-months of age, this nicely trained, but still immature, dog comes to stay with me for more advanced public training and is introduced to his veteran. I learn what distracts the dog and the areas in which he is solid. And because the primary goal is to provide comfort and psychological assistance, we also spend a lot of time around people of all ages and abilities. It's amazing to watch these sensitive canines adapt their behavior to match a person's spirit.

Huck loves the world and finds joy in every day. His demeanor is what this project is all about...giving comfort to veterans with mental health challenges, courage in public places and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. He was placed with his veteran this weekend, moving in with confidence and hope. This email says it all:

"I'm WAY more than just happy, Wendy, I literally cannot put it into words how happy I am! Huck is such an amazing dog, he is so understanding when he's in crowded areas. Just today, Huck, my mom, and I went to Safeway. Huck always expresses his initial curiosity by sniffing everything, but he immediately adjusted to the surroundings and became obedient. I cannot thank you enough for your expert dog training, Wendy. You trained Huck so well, and Huck became my best friend. I love him so much!!!"

Way to go, Huck!