Hoshi has been Jack’s skilled service dog for two years. We applied for a skilled companion dog with Canine Companions in 2011 when Jack was five. We got the call in July 2012 that Jack was put on the waiting list! Eighteen months later, we headed to Columbus to begin the awesome ten-day training process.
Hoshi loves working with Jack. When he drops things on the floor (pencils, toys, cup, etc.), Hoshi picks them up and gives them to him. Hoshi even opens the refrigerator for Jack. When we’re out, Hoshi presses the handicap buttons on the doors for Jack. Every time Hoshi does a command, he wags his tail! He loves working!
Every night Hoshi jumps into bed with Jack (on command of course) and Jack tells him about his day!
Note: Julie, Jack and Hoshi are a Skilled Companion Team. Canine Companions for Independence trains skilled companion dogs to work with an adult or child with a disability under the guidance of a facilitator. A facilitator is typically a parent, spouse or caregiver who handles and cares for the assistance dog, encourages a strong bond between the recipient and the skilled companion dog, and is responsible for the customized training needs of the dog. Canine Companions breeds skilled companion dogs to be calm, reliable and affectionate. The skilled companion dog reduces the recipient’s reliance on other people to complete simple daily tasks.
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