Freedom Service Dogs: Providing Hope and Inspiration for Colorado’s Dogs, Disabled and Youth

Byline: by Shannon Gleason, News Writer, Best Friends Network

POTTER AND NEEKO
For those of us who love animals, the term human-animal bond can provoke an emotional response, both in terms of how we feel about or own pets and how we respond to the stories of relationships others share with their animals. One such account involves Mary Kay, a Colorado resident confined to a wheelchair. After falling in her home, her assistance dog, Potter, sensed the emergency and retrieved the phone so she could call for help. Potter’s various heroic acts earned him Service Dog of the Year in 2006, awarded by the Colorado Veterinary Foundation. Then there's a young man caught in the crossfire of the Columbine High School shootings. In spite of a tragedy which left him immobilized, he’s maintained a resilience and passion for life, giving much of the credit to his assistance dog, Neeko. It is clear that the lives of both people have been positively impacted by their dogs. What is less obvious is how their dogs benefited from the actions of Freedom Service Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit business located in Englewood, Colorado. Most organizations that train service animals purchase dogs from breeders. Instead, Freedom Service Dogs rescues abandoned and unwanted dogs, such as Potter and Neeko, from local shelters, and trains them to assist a wide variety of challenged individuals, including those who have suffered from strokes or accidents, persons with debilitating diseases or children dealing with autism.

A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO EVERY DOG RESCUED AS WELL AS TO HUMAN TEAMMATES
Freedom Service Dogs, established in 1987, maintains a state-of-the-art facility of nearly forty thousand square feet, complete with large, fenced-in dog runs, spacious exercise and training areas and a number of handicapped accessible modifications. Tours are available to the public. As an accredited member of Assistance Dog International, Freedom Service Dogs adheres to the highest standards of excellence and ethics in the utilization of assistance dogs and their training. To date, 109 dogs have successfully completed their program; another 12 are scheduled to graduate in October, 2008. The organization's extensive contributions to animals, people and communities are notable; their paid staff includes only ten people. Dedicated efforts of seventy-five volunteers allow Freedom Service Dogs to fulfill its mission to save dogs and free people.

In addition to rescuing shelter dogs, Freedom Service Dogs differs from other such programs by DONATING assistance dogs to clients, as opposed to selling them. The expenses are formidable. Potential service dogs undergo rigorous medical and temperament screenings. For each dog that graduates from their program, the costs of customized training and care exceeds $25,000. All training is based on the use of positive reinforcement methods, and while it is specific to each client’s needs, tasks may include retrieving and carrying objects, pulling wheelchairs, opening doors and aiding with brace and counter balance needs. Many clients have experienced significant emotional trauma; the love and trusted companionship of their dog is invaluable.

Freedom Service Dogs extends a lifelong commitment, both to the dogs in their program and their human teammates. Throughout the span of time the team shares, ongoing training and support are provided to maximize the success of their relationship. Some animals require specialized training after their initial placement, necessitated by a change or increase in the needs of their teammate, as can occur with the progression of degenerative diseases. Additionally, trainers offer extra services if the environment of the team changes, providing guidance as the partners adapt to modified living arrangements and subsequent challenges. Upon retirement, dogs enjoy the “golden years” with their teammates; then the organization generously donates to the clients another service dog. Such a changeover is currently taking place for one Colorado team. Director of Development, Colette Palmer reports that the transition is going smoothly, and in fact, the new assistance dog is learning his teammate's needs at an advanced pace, taking cues from the soon-to-be retiree.

Within all service dog organizations, there are some animals which do not meet the required criteria to graduate. In such instances, Freedom Service Dogs releases these animals from their training program and places them in loving, well-screened, adoptive homes. Such homes are also found for dogs surrendered in the rare cases of client relinquishment. Whether service dog or adoptable companion, all animals rescued by this organization receive the same excellent care, commitment and attention.

DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND AT-RISK YOUTH
In addition to lifelong dedication to the dogs and people in their program, Freedom Service Dogs is committed to raising community awareness regarding the legal rights of the disabled, rights of assistance dogs and etiquette to be shown toward them by the public. These issues are discussed in newsletter and website bulletins and are also addressed in demonstrations, provided free-of-charge, to schools and civic organizations. The presentations are an excellent way to display the assistance dog’s customized skills as well as the positive interaction shared by the team. Community members witness the many ways in which these partnerships fulfill Freedom Service Dog’s goals to enhance a disabled person’s independence, endurance and peace of mind.

Further commitment is being extended to the Denver community through an exciting pilot program, Pawsitive Connection, a collaborative effort between Freedom Service Dogs and the Denver Metro affiliate of CBR Youth Connect, a mental health service organization based in La Junta, Colorado. Sixty students identified as at-risk have completed the program, initiated in March, 2008. It is estimated that a total of 500 youth, elementary through high school levels, will participate during the next three years. As at-risk students interact with and care for Freedom Service’s dogs, they explore concepts applicable to everyday life, including empathy, responsibility and respect. Each participant is assigned to a dog, and with the assistance of a certified trainer, the pair practices basic obedience skills, new commands and tricks. Additionally, students are provided opportunities to interact with the community such as when they participate in animal visitations for the disabled and elderly. Teachers report overwhelming praise for the program, noting an increase in students’ self-esteem and confidence as they witness their dog-partner accomplishing new skills. Teachers also observe the enhancement of empathy when students learn that the dogs they are working with were, at one time, abandoned or unwanted, circumstances that may reflect their own experiences.

DONATIONS HELP RESCUE DOGS, FREE PEOPLE AND EDUCATE STUDENTS
Freedom Service Dogs continues to expand the populations they serve, including those who suffer from Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and victims of abuse. However, they receive no government funding nor do they generate revenue by charging clients for service dogs. It is through the generous time and efforts of volunteers, along with personal and corporate donations, that they can continue to rescue dogs and positively impact the lives of so many people. Donations to this organization are maximized; eighty-five cents of every dollar is directly applied to funding programs.

To learn of upcoming events and additional needs, please visit their website at www.freedomservicedogs.org and review their “wish list,” as well as the availability of numerous volunteer opportunities. Whether one has time, skills or money to donate, all contributions are valued. So many animal welfare organizations are in need. When evaluating your charitable options, bear in mind the multifaceted benefits of a gift to Freedom Service Dogs: saving the lives of dogs, reducing pet overpopulation, improving a disabled person’s quality of life and educating children. Please act now.

Photo courtesy of Freedom Service Dogs, Inc.