DOGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

            They are known as “Olympians” but these highly trained athletics don’t compete in high jumps, pole vaulting or running a mile race—even though they have four legs! But their training is just as demanding as their two-legged counterparts according to Alice Collingwood who heads up Summit Assistance Dogs located at Anacortes, Washington State.

            These dogs are specially trained to aid folks with disabilities. Some are victims of spinal injuries and confined to a wheelchair or by an accident that leaves them unable to function without aid or perhaps they may suffer from a genetic handicap. Regardless of the affliction a service dog can provide immeasurable help, and Collingwood’s pups help fill the need.

            The non-profit company was founded in 2000 by Sue Meinzinger who just loved dogs. She had a friend who was disabled and this inspired her to look into specialized dog training and that is how “Summit Assistance Dogs” came into being. Since that time the company has grown and now has several volunteers helping. Also included on staff are two professional trainers who specialize in this type of dog training. In the past 15 years since its inception the company has trained and provided 81 dogs to grateful clients. But it hasn’t all been easy.

“Not all dogs make it through training,” Collingwood said. “For those that don’t work out we find a ‘forever home’—none are ever returned to a shelter.”

The process in acquiring and training these special animals is extensive. Collingwood said that their chief dog sources are from shelters or donated and others from their own breeding pool. One would think of “Lassie” as a perfect candidate but ironically collies don’t make good service dogs, she said. “We find that Golden Retrievers and Labradors make the best dog for training,” she explained. The natural instincts of these breeds fit in well with training.

This arduous training can take up to two years. The company works with both pups and older dogs for service. During the final part of training the dog lives with the trainer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Only about three out of 10 dogs make it completely through the program. But for those who don’t meet the training needs some family will have the delight of getting the perfect “family” dog.

Many dogs are acquired within the limits of Washington State but there are others that come from as far as California. Regardless, if a dog shows any inclination of meeting the demands of a service dog Collingwood is willing to make the trip to check out the pup.

The most important part of the training is matching the right dog with the right client. “We do an assessment of the person and match the dog specifically to meet a person’s need,” she said. Sometimes there is a problem with placement. One hitch can be the prospective client may be allergic to the dog. Consequently no match can be made. What Collingwood wants to make sure is both the animal and new owner is compatible and happy with each other.

And what can a service dog do? Just about everything. They can open doors, pick up articles—including change, retrieve a telephone-- you name it. In fact, Collingwood recalled, she knew one disabled person who had his dog trained to go the refrigerator and get him a beer!

Now that’s training!

To prepare a dog for service work is long and demanding. They must be taught do disregard interference by other animals or people and concentrate only on their charge. That’s why it takes so long to prepare a dog for their special job. Once placed the client and dog are also provided follow-up care.

Taking a year or two to train a dog is also expensive. Adding in veterinarian bills, shots, food, housing and a trainer’s salary the cost can reach up to $25,000 Collingwood said. Trainers aren’t free. As professionals they have to be paid and what they receive in salary doesn’t even come close to what an average person makes at a steady job. All of this is a based on altruistic love. As for the person selected to get a dog they aren’t charged a dime. All income is derived from donors or fund raising activity.

Over the years Summit Assistance Dogs has grown beyond imagination. The company is now looking for property to set up a larger facility. As Collingwood explains, “We’re currently looking for a home of our own.” And with the help of donors it will be a dream come true. For those who wish to help they can reach her at www.summitdogs,org. or mail Summit Assistance Dogs, P.O. Box 699, Anacortes, WA 98221. All help is more than welcome.