Mobility Service Dog: The Perfect Fit Between Kate & Duke
Finding a credible service dog organization
The demand for well-trained, authentic service dogs is high. In fact, it has surpassed the availability of trained service dogs. For Kate, she had a few layers of needs in what she was looking for.
“Mobility is a challenge. You can find agencies that have mobility dogs, but it’s important to not have anything weight bearing on a service dog in order for them to live long and strong, too. Overtime, weight can hurt their bones, and I needed a dog that could stay with me for the long haul.”
Kate also wanted to find a credible organization within reasonable distance of her home in order to feel she had the support she needed, and that her future service dog could get the on-going training he needed to serve her well. “It’s work intensive to find the right organization. But you just have to get as much information as you can and be prepared to put the work in.”
Through online research for service dogs for mobility issues, Kate found Putnam Service Dogs. When Kate was notified by them that they now had available service dogs properly trained and ready, she was grateful for the invitation to meet them. Kate learned a lot about the process and how the organization allows their dogs to indicate who they want to serve. Initially, Kate was looking for a bigger-sized dog to support her balance while walking. In that first meet-and-greet, one of Putnam Service Dogs’ trainers suggested to her to be open-minded. He mentioned how important temperament is and asked her to not rule out smaller dogs.
Later that winter, Putnam Service Dogs offered her a service dog. However, knowing it was winter and it would be a challenge to get the dog outside for active engagement in the snow and ice, Kate turned the opportunity down.
A few months down the road, Putnam Service Dogs reached out to Kate to invite her to meet Duke, a mixed breed service dog of a medium-sized build. It was obvious that Duke wanted to help Kate. At one point during that day of training, he even climbed up in her lap! Kate was surprised to hear she could take Duke home with her that day. The trainers thought they were both ready for the next step of building a close bond. Putnam Service Dogs supplied her with everything she needed, taught her some basic cues, and promised to come for a visit soon to see how things were going.
All secrets told, Kate says, “Duke trained us!”
Learning Each Other: The Human-Service Dog Bond
In the first 6 months together, both Kate and Duke continued learning — one another’s preferences, needs, body language cues and commands. Kate chuckled, “He’s not a cuddly dog and doesn’t really like to be petted — unless it’s his idea! But he will lean his body against me or come lay down under my legs if he wants some affection. I also taught him an ‘under’ command, so when I need him, he comes to lie down under my legs as well.”
“I walk at a much slower pace than most, so it took awhile for Duke to slow his walk. Now, he generally takes 3 steps and waits for me to catch up.”
Gaining Independence & Confidence
For Kate, having Duke as a service dog means she has more independence and confidence in the daily activities of life. Duke picks things up off of the floor — and gets really excited about it!. Kate says, “It’s kind of his ‘big thing’ for me. He doesn’t so much like picking up my cane. His stubborn streak can delay the process, but he will do it.”
Ongoing Training to Keep Behaviors Sharp
For Kate, she’s found training is an ongoing process. One of her favorite things about Putnam Service Dogs is that they’ve been willing to hop on a call, video chat, or even review a video sent by text or email to help her address areas where Duke could need a few reminders or perhaps pointers for new tasks that Kate is working to train him to do. In several instances, their trainer spent a couple of days in person to help Kate in areas she couldn’t do without a hands-on demonstration.
A supportive service dog organization
Kate reflects, “Having a service dog has been more work than I expected. But the PSD team has been very responsive, virtually and in person. I have a good back up with them and it’s what I love most about Putnam Service Dogs. They’re lovely people and are there for me when I need help. They want my pairing with Duke to work out just as much as I want it to.”
“They’re dedicated in what they do. They not only put their service dogs first, but they truly wanted Duke to be able to help me.”
When it came to finding a good, reputable veterinarian and groomer, the PSD team checked out the options and gave Kate and her husband their recommendation. “I didn’t know what to look for, so it was good to have their guidance.”
Supporting Duke’s Wellbeing
As a person with mobility challenges, Kate knows she has to prioritize Duke’s stimulation. “We’ve found or made our own games to play, since it’s difficult for me to get Duke out to run.” Kate and her husband have discovered letting Duke run on a local tennis court is a great solution. “We also have friends with dogs of similar size that he can play with, and we put treats in a treat holding toy, or use puzzle feeders to stimulate activity for him.”
Still, Duke’s go-to is learning something new! “It’s interesting to him. If we’ve been stuck in the house, we come up with something playful for him to do, and he really enjoys that.” Currently, they’re working with Duke to stay by Kate’s side as she rides a recumbent bike outdoors. “He’s getting used to seeing me on the bike.”
“I’m truly grateful for Putnam Service Dogs and that they were willing to send a trainer, put in the extra work from time to time, to help me know what to expect when it comes to living with a service dog.”
Kate and her husband couldn’t imagine life without Duke at this point. He’s one of the family. By supporting Kate to do the things she’s unable to do — at work, at home, out-and-about, and in staying active — her life is changed just as much as Duke’s. And for Putnam Service Dogs, that’s what it’s all about.
Volunteer to Raise a Service Dog Puppy!
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