Message from the Executive Director

FSDS had the pleasure of filming a guest spot on AZTV’s Morning Mix program a few weeks ago…Jessica and Titan did a terrific job demonstrating some of the basic things we teach all Service Dogs to do.

It provided a welcome opportunity to talk about Service Dog teams and the work they do together too.

Here is a link to the spot itself – please enjoy!

(1) Providing ‘A New Leash on Life’ with The Foundation for Service Dog Support – YouTube

Wellness Tips

Fire, hurricane and monsoon seasons are upon us.  This month we provide some practical tips to keep your animals safe:

Scan all veterinary records to your Drive or Cloud, so that they are available remotely; if you must be evacuated to a shelter, proof of vaccination for your animals will be required.

Prepare an emergency evacuation bag for your animal(s) and keep a list of those items that must be packed at the last minute, so that you do not forget anything important:

  • Enough food for at least 7 to 10 days
  • Any prescription or routine preventive medications (ie: flea/tick and heartworm)
  • Food and water bowls
  • Bedding
  • A comfort object, such as a favorite toy
  • A properly fitted life vest if you are in an area prone to storm surge.

Update your family emergency evacuation plan as needed and ensure that your current plan includes your 4-legged family members.  Designate a meet-up place in the event your family becomes separated.  Rehearse the plan with your family.

 

Classroom News

May was an eventful month. Both our trainers Jessica Parker and Charlotte Steele had the opportunity to go to Copper King Elementary with a few of our Service Dogs in Training (SDIT) to provide knowledge and education of Service Dogs to the 6th grade! This was such a pleasure. All the 6 graders were very respectful, kind and interested in what we had to say.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both advanced and beginner classes went on a field trip to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall where the teams got plenty of practice on their public appropriateness. We worked on recalls; going up and down stairs; stepping over your dog while in a down stay; leave it training; maintaining focus on the handler around distractions; under training, cuing heel from a distance; as well as deep pressure therapy (DPT) in different environments.

The beginner class teams each passed their Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) test with flying colors. Very proud of the teams for their hard work and dedication while staying consistent with their SDIT.

We have introduced some new commands to teach our students and the dogs have been performing very well with these new skills. Here’s just a few:

  • Watch
  • Switch (opposite side of heel)
  • Undressing
  • Interrupting
  • Carry a bag
  • Retrieve unheard dropped items

The midweek beginner class will be taking their first field trip as a group to Bass Pro Shops to work on Public Appropriateness and CGC training along with generalizing commands.

We are all looking forward to our next field trip for all teams at the Science Center!

 

Advanced Class Highlights

Tom/Sharon & Ruby – Ruby has mastered staying in a down position while the handler and trainer step over her.

Charlotte & Luna – Luna has been excelling with her “tug” on command to take off socks, open cabinets, etc.

Kerry/Jase & Sadie – Sadie has been doing so well with her “hit it” command to close doors.

Scott & Luna – Luna has mastered her “switch” command while approaching distractions.

 

Beginner Class Highlights

Shriji & Elfo – Elfo is doing a terrific job gaining confidence and working in different environments

Tori & Colson – Colson has been paired with his new recipient and doing great with his basic commands, along with bonding with his new recipient.

Kevin & Daisy – Daisy is excelling with her “center” command around distractions

Willie & Otis – Otis has been performing so well with his sit and downs from a distance on command.

Kyla & Koda – Koda has successfully demonstrated how to drop items in the trash or a bucket.

Mason & Nebby – Nebby has made great progress with her recalls around distractions and her “paw” command.

 

Midweek Beginner Class Highlights

Chris & Sentry – Sentry has been performing wonderfully with his “Switch” command.

Dee & Morgan – Morgan has been making great progress with his “off lead” practice.

Patti & Payton – Payton’s has successfully performed “block & cover” on command.

With Appreciation

Our heartfelt thanks to these supporters who gave so generously in May.  On behalf of the students and their canine partners thanks for being part of providing them with “A New Leash on Life”

Monthly Donor – Timothy Glenn
Andrew Nordstrom
James Gillespie
Chris Antoniou
Lorena Perez
John Hamlet
Shriji Shah
Merchant Services (Zoltan Hardi)
Armed Forces Support Group
Carol Abrams
John & Diane Henson
David & Sheryl Iszler
Amazon Smile
Charlotte Fornasiero
Kimberly Toll
Josh Cornelius
Janina Alkhalloufi
Kaeli Dutra

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