Service dog graduation

Today we drove to Santa Rosa to attend a service dog graduation for Tish, the puppy we raised.  Tish was with us for 1.5 years and we trainer her basic obedience and socialization skills.  She came with us to Disneyland, Warriors games, stores, restaurants and even on a trip to Texas on a airplane.  After we turned her back to Canine Companions for Independence last February they decided that she would make a good hearing dog and started to train her on that track.  She learned how to identity noises such as a doorbell, a phone, an alarm or keys dropping and alert her handler to the noise and lead them to it.  The dogs chosen to become hearing dogs are very special because they have to think for themselves and decided to alert their handler rather then being given a command, these dogs really want to work.  People from all around the United States apply to get hearing dogs and many wait 2 plus years to be able to get one.  Once the dogs are trained about 5 people are picked from the waiting list to come to Santa Rosa for team training.  During this time they get to work with several dogs and eventually get paired with one that fits their needs and lifestyle the best.  They stay on campus for two weeks to learn how to work with the dogs and after that they graduate as a certified service team.  Today we met, Barry the person that was matched with Tish.  We found out that he lost his hearing while working for the Air Force and applied for a hearing dog 7 years ago.  He finally met Tish and they are a perfect pair.  Tish will help him by alerting him to noises but also help with his confidence when going out in public.  It was wonderful meeting Barry and the best part was seeing Tish again after 6 months. She was very excited to see us and gave us lots of kisses. It was a very emotional and happy day for all of us and we wish Tish and Barry an great life together in Nevada.

Amilia, James, Kati and Barry with Tish

James and Tish

Kati with Tish

Farris family with our new puppy, Gita