Gracie's Work

I am sharing a note from a veteran who spearheaded fundraising to obtain and support Gracie's training in the Veterans & Service Dog pilot project directed by the Transitional Housing Program with the WA State Department of Veterans Affairs. Gracie spent time with Chris during her training as an important part of her socialization and to give Chris a greater understanding how a dog like Gracie benefits veteran mental health. His words capture how this work across the country is improving lives for our veterans.

I was at the VA yesterday for an appointment and while in the waiting area I noted there were several assistance dogs in-training. As one of them passed by me to leave, I noticed that the dog bent her neck several times to look my way. I caught up with the veteran and asked him how long he has had his dog; “Two months” he replied, and I said “Is this Gracie”? He looked a bit confused and asked, “How do you know Gracie”?, and I explained my connection with her dating back to when she was just a few weeks old. Don and I talked for a few minutes and we exchanged phone numbers. I was really impressed that Gracie stayed very calm and under Don’s control. In-fact, aside from her initial looking back at me, I wasn’t sure she recognized me.

About a half hour later I was walking to my car and noted that Don and Gracie were standing outside the canteen building. I couldn’t resist any longer and as I approached them I called to her. Gracie went nuts, tail wagging and tugging on her leash. When I reached them, Gracie got both paws on my chest and proceeded to give me a good face-washing. I sat down beside her and gave her the sit/lay commands which she obliged with precision. I rolled her over and gave her a good tummy-rub, but afterward she went right back into her role as Don’s assistant. It was as though I didn’t exist, and that’s the way it should be. Her job is to have Don’s back (or six) and it was apparent she knows her role well. She is everything I could have hoped for and I was able to see and experience her placement with a veteran that could so benefit from her partnership.

Yesterday was a very good day. Thank you for allowing me the experience of knowing what the Gracie’s of this world can contribute to those in need.

Chris

Telling the Story

Yesterday, February 8, King5-TV reporter Elisa Hahn highlighted Brandon and Huck's partnership in a story about proposed Washington State legislation that would ease restrictions for people with assistance animals seeking housing.  (Story link: http://www.king5.com/news/pets-and-animals/Legislators-consider-relaxing-standards-for-therapy-pets-for-housing-190468031.html)

Brandon explained how Huck comforts him during PTSD-triggered episodes, and described the profound improvement Huck brings to his quality of life. I have witnessed increased confidence and reduced anxiety in the veteran and dog matches I have had the honor to support. 

I am grateful for the efforts of the Washington State Human Rights Commission to promote legislation that would provide fair and reasonable accommodation for those dependent on their companion animals to make their world a better place.

Many thanks to King5-TV and Elisa Hahn for capturing the essence of these partnerships. And kudos to Brandon and Huck for being ambassadors for the cause!

Mission Collaboration

On Monday, October 1, Gracie (service dog-in-training) made her debut at the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs in Olympia, WA. She met the visionaries and funders supporting her training and future partnership with a Washington veteran. Veteran Brandon also attended and shared how Huck has made a difference in his life. (Photo credit: Heidi Audette, WDVA)

Here are additional details in the 10/02/12 WDVA blog posting:

 http://wsdva.blogspot.com/


 

Dreams, Hope and a Dog named Luka

Since November 12, I have had the weekly privilege of working with Liz Moore, a young, single mom and Luka, a young autism dog in-training as Luka integrates into Liz's family. Luka is being trained to become a canine partner for Isabel, Liz's 4-year-old autistic daughter. The Tacoma News Tribune has chronicled Liz's goal of finding a service dog for Isabel and the generous donations that made her dream come true. Through my connection with North Star Foundation which breeds, raises and trains dogs to be sensitive and attuned to autistic children, I was invited to become part of the team to support Luka and Isabel's development.

Today the Tribune shared the news of Luka's arrival and the hope he brings to Liz and her family:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/11/30/1927397/a-girl-and-her-dog.html

Thank you, Temple

My respect and admiration for Temple Grandin had a bit more shine this week when I learned she was named to Colorado Womens Hall of Fame "for her trailblazing work in livestock welfare and autism advocacy...":

http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011111109024

Temple's works and perspective are a great asset as I work with an autism service dog-in-training and the family he is partnered with in Tacoma. Luka is a product of the efforts and dedication of the North Star Foundation in Connecticut that breeds, raises and trains emotionally sensitive dogs to become service companions for children with autism.

Thank you, Temple, for sharing your story and insights to help others build bridges of communication.

Education is a 2-way Street

The most important thing I've learned working with companion animals is that education is a 2-way street. I can share my life experience and formal education with clients, friends or other professionals and offer solutions and advice about animal behavior. But my growth as a behavior professional depends on my heart and mind being open to lessons from these human teachers and the continuing education offered by the creatures who share our life and our planet.

Today's lesson was simple. Colleague Jean Kautzman and I with our service dogs-in-training, Huck and Liberty, went in search of a friendly cafe on a dark and stormy afternoon. Huck and Liberty are learning public manners so one day they can help bring light to a wounded warrior's life. Our first destination was too crowded so we loaded our wet selves back into the van and headed for Plan B.

Jean scouted out the premises before we unloaded in the pouring rain, returned with good news, and we sloshed into Cafe Luna (Vashon Island) where we settled around a roomy, wooden table. As Jean left to order fall-flavored lattes, a little girl approached and asked to pet Liberty (adorable Golden Retriever puppy). But even with permission, when both dogs turned her way, she stepped back out of reach. Fascinated...but hesitant. Her older sister had more confidence, but not enough to touch the dogs. They went back to report to mom and returned with questions for us...repeatedly.

We sipped our warm, frothy drinks and our good boys quietly watched the little girls who eventually braved tossing treats toward Liberty. In between, Jean and I caught up on lessons learned from our trainings with Huck and Liberty. Soon the girls and their mom started for the door, on their way to a Sound of Music sing-along at the Vashon Theatre. But first, we convinced the girls to join us so their mom could take our picture.

They left knowing a bit more about service dogs, enriching their recent reading of a book on this topic. Our patient pups earned gold stars for being on their best non-distracted behavior. And I learned that training lessons can benefit everyone in the room.