Potential Service Dog for adoption...

[lemonie]

As many of you know, I am now a training and medical tech at our local animal control with several years of experience in training including service dog training and certification. As I continue to handle and evaluate the many dogs that come through our shelter, I have come upon a small handful that show the tried and true temperment and drive of an excellent service dog.

A couple disclaimers, a service dog (SD) is not for everyone and you need to do your research on pros and cons along with your state laws regarding SD's. SD's can be trained by the handler but it is helpful to have someone coaching you at least your first time in doing so. If you have questions about eligibility, I will do my best to help you find answers. But if you are considering or know someone looking for a SD to train, please consider a rescue.

I will try to keep this thread updated with dogs from our shelter that would qualify for this type of work. Our shelter does adopt out of state and for the price of $100 which includes: rabies, distemper, bordotella, fecal testing and de-worming, $60 coupon toward spay/neuter, microchip and nation-wide registration.
If you have questions or are interested, please pm me or contact the shelter. If other shelter workers believe they have qualified dogs, please feel free to post here as well!

[lemonie]

Meet the lovely Jaspar-

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=8945983

He is about a 2yr old Blk lab who was a very skinny stray. Jaspar keeps his kennel clean and is friendly with dogs, cats, kids and everyone he meets. He is about 50lbs and is slowly gaining a healthy weight. Even though he was a stray he appears to be in great health including strong hips, clean teeth and is heartworm negative. He is still a puppy at heart but aims to please and has already shown excellence in his basic training including: sit, down, stay, come, heel, watch and takes treats gently (all in just 1 week!). He is working on not jumping up on ppl and is doing well. He loves toys and retrieving and has a strong drive to work. He will let you know when someone is at the door, but is not a big barker. I can't think of a single SD task Jaspar would not be suited for as he is socialable, tolerant and focused on whoever is working with him. He has already shown acceptance of medical equipment, loud noises and is focused on his training while walking through the mall.

Though he would like a job to do, Jaspar could be excellent for any family who will love and play with him and take him on long walks.

[lemonie]

Talk about personality!

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=8946790

Atticus is about 1-2yr Blk lab full of tons of energy and for this reason should not go to a home with very small children. He was a stray that appears well cared for but no owners came to claim him. He is house trained, current on vaccinations and is heartworm negative. He's a very healthy young man who will retrieve pretty much anything and is just beginning his obedience training. This boy loves all people and dogs but is a little too fond of cats at this time and will need a firm trainer to help him be calm around them. He was originally chosen as a candidate for costums work because of his awesome high drive but there are not enough trainers to take him at this time. Atticus is a very sound dog who would be excellent for physical assistance, pulling and bracing. He is a very quick learner who works for treats, toys and any affection he can get.

[fairlight]

I really like this idea of a thread Lemonie. Pleae keep it going.

[FairyDogMother]

This is a wonderful idea and thread. Kudos to you for helping these fine pups out in such great way!

[lemonie]

Thanks! Its just really been on my heart how so many of these thrown away dogs have so much to offer and all they want is someone to love them and a job they were bred to do. We also occasionally get in dogs that would be great in agility, frisbee, therapy work and even Schutzhund if you are an experienced handler. Please keep the info flowing guys; these animals could really use your help!

[FairyDogMother]

By the way, I love your signature! I never thought about putting our rescues web link on. Not really sure how to.. might have to investigate that

[lemonie]

Originally Posted by lemonie

Meet the lovely Jaspar-...

Jaspar had been at our very cramped and overcrowded shelter so long that he was at the top of the list to be pts if cage space was needed. While he was heeling perfectly at my side and showing off his awesome down-stay, a rescue worker began to fall in love with him and took him with her. He is now being fostered until she finds a suitable home for him. I can only hope he gets a great family that realizes his potential.