Service Dogs

[Guest guest]

lies' service dog, Stitches, is a golden retriever. 's

service dog, Brooklyn, is a golden lab cross (Goldador). They were

trained and placed by East Coast Assistance Dog (ECAD) based in

Torrington CT, trained in NY. The dogs each have the standard

service dog training with 80-90 base commands and then subspecialized

training to respond to ventilator and monitor alarms. Both dogs also

monitor the girls breathing. If they breathe too shallowly

or " forget " to breath (as often does)the dogs give them a

bump with their noses. has had Brooklyn for 1 1/2 years.

lies just received Stitches a month ago. Each dog can also open

doors, turn lights on and off, retrieve items, assist with

shopping/laundry, pull wheelchairs, assist with mobility/fall

prevention.

Their alarm/alert training is specific to each child. Brooklyn " gets "

help when 's equipment alarms, Stitch awakens lies.

Stitch is significantly bigger than Brooklyn and he had significantly

improved lies' ability to walk without falling. He will also sit

or stand firm to brace her so she can get up after she falls.

Brooklyn has learned some of the more traditional hearing assist

skills for which Stitch doesn't know (at least not yet). The

dogs are quick studies and have both learned new skills since

placement.

ECAD was the only service dog agency I could find in the US that

would train and place dogs with children/young adults who needed them

to alert for ventilators/apnea and do public access certification.

Brooklyn was the 6th dog trained/placed for this function. I spoke

with a young adult who received her dog, Cole, 4 years ago. She has

been quite pleased with Cole's performance and consistancy and

recommended the agency. Public access was important for my girls.

Several other agencies also place with children but do not allow them

to travel with their dogs.

If you have any specific questions please email me directly:

servedogmom@...

Joanne Kocourek