HomeMy WebLinkAboutP1 - Dog PartnersTo: Steven Bromberg Newport Beach City Cmmril from: LM Sheedy
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Steven Bromberg
Council Member
City of Newport Beach
P.O. Box 1766
Newport Beach, CA 92658
Dear Steve.
April 23, 2002
Agenda Item No. P1
It was great talking with you today and 1 appreciate any help you can 111va to get more service
dogs available for people that desperately creed them. I would like to Ilan: a short talk on the treed
for service dogs in Orange County and what Dog Partners is irdendirq to do to improve this
current situation. Our service dog, Robert would also participate by demonstrating a few of the
eighty commands he knows. 1 would bring a light- switch board and tone him turn the lights on
and off, give a credit card to a volunteer cashier, get the package in PAum and gore it to me in a
wheelchair and pick up items to place where instructed.
Most people are not aware of what a service dog can provide and the current shortage. I look
forward to hearing from you regarding the April 23rd meeting.
Sincerely,
Lyn Sheedy
Executive Director
(949)38&9643
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Commonly Asked Questions About Service Dogs
What is a service dog?
A service dog helps someone with mobility impairment. This usually means someone using a
wheelchair due to a stroke, cerebral palsy, an amputation, quadriplegia. etc. The dog can open
the refrigerator door, get an item and put it on the counter or give it to the person using the
wheelchair, open and close doors, pull a wheelchair to name a few tasks performed.
How long do you get to keep them?
We have the pups until placement, usually 1 -1/2 to 2 years (we do not use'puppy raisers' like
some organizations). The person receiving the dog goes through a two week training by our
organization to learn the ninety commands and how to become a leader of the dog. The
placement process also requires matching the person and the dog by personality.
Can I buy one of these dogs?
No. These dogs are specifically bred for the purpose of serving.
Can I get on a list for a dog that doesn't make the program?
There are very few cogs released from the program. If they don't make it as a service dog, for
example if they are fearful, then they are placed in a home as a home help -mate with someone
who doesn't need a working dog in public. If they do not pass the health requirements they are
placed as social therapy dogs, working with one handler visiting long term care facilities.
Are the dogs happy?
These dogs love going everywhere with their owners and are very bonded to them. They love
performing simple tasks and having a "job ". You can easily sense the joy and love between the
two in a working team.
How can you give them up?
The dogs are great - they are the only species that chose to leave their own kind to be with
humans. However, I just keep in mind that humans are our species. When you see a match
between the two in a working team and the difference it makes in someone's life it is like magic, it
brings tears to my eyes and makes it all worth the effort
When do the dogs start training?
They start socialization at day one. Volunteers work massaging, touching, holding and loving the
pups from birth. They start learning commands through association at four weeks of age.
Do the dogs get enough time outdoors?
We only place dogs with people who can provide for them. That includes a place for them to be
outdoors and grooming everyday, including brushing their teeth. This can be done by an aide as
well.
Flow much does a service dog cost?
It takes nearly two years and $20,000 to raise, train and place a single service dog. The average
cost to the recipient is about $2,000 - the difference is made up by donations and grants to our
organization. There are also programs to help pay for dogs. The Veterans Administration has
paid for dogs recently as well as Medic -care, Medic -aid in some states like Montana.
When are they placed?
The average working life of a dog is nine years and we try to place them as soon as possible. If
the dog is very mature they can be placed as soon as one and a half years of age. If they need
more maturing then it is two years of age.
Can they go anywhere?
California has an excellent law that allows a dog in training with his trainer the same rights as
someone with a disability having a graduate dog. They can and should go everywhere - they
need this constant experience so the they will be equipped to handle any situation that they may
encounter. The only place in question for a dog in training is on the airplane with you: this is u D to
the airlines.
Can 1 pet them?
A service dog wears a cape or some form of identification. If you see a service dog, no matter
how young, it is proper etiquette to always ask if you can pet the dog. Never whistle or make
sounds to the dog. Most the time the trainer will say, "he is working ". The avoidance of contact is
so the dog does not learn to solicit attention from others and can focus on his tasks at hand. With
a graduate dog and his owner, it is up to the owner. A right to privacy is important as it can be
exhausting answering a lot of questions and interacting with lots of curious people. On the other
hand, the person may enjoy some socialization and welcome you to ask questions and pet the
dog. ALWAYS ASK.
What is the best breed for a service dog?
Dr. Bonita Bergin is the pioneer of the service dog concept. She founded Canine Companions
and later founded the Assistance Dog Institute. She saw a need to do research in breeding to get
just the right temperament for a good service dog. The result of Dr. Bergin's many years of
research has shown that the best service dog is a half Golden Retriever and half Yellow
Labrador. Their are fewer of these dogs because you can not breed the pups, you have to start
with a purebred of each breed. Most the dogs she breeds are pure Golden Retrievers.
For more information, contact Dog Partners at (949) 388 -9643
or visit us on the web at www.dogpartners.com