Monday, June 11, 2007

Protecting Your Pet: Canine companions

Posted: 06/11/07

Canine Companions

Tyne, 12, loves to run and play outside with her owner. But Tyne's relationship with her owner, Thad Mandsager, is a very special one.

"I couldn't live without her," Mandsager said.

Thad is paralyzed from the neck down and relies on his dog to help him throughout the day.

"She's been my partner for 10 years, and we're a team when we're together all the time... at work, outside, at home," Mandsager said.

With a simple command Tyne switches lights on and off and can open doors or cabinets. Tyne is also is on hand to pick up dropped keys or a book.

"She's made me independent," Mandsager said. "I don't have to be afraid to be left alone."

Tyne got her specialized training at Canine Companions for Independence or CCI. The non-profit organization breeds Labrador Retrievers, Retrievers, and a cross of the two to assist people with disabilities.

"Somebody with a disability has a hard time always asking for help, and then now also being responsible for another life, is life changing for them," Mandsager's mom, Kathy, said.

Kathy Mandsager is also part of the program. She is a volunteer puppy raiser for CCI and helps to train and raise the dogs.

"Puppy raisers have them for about a year and a half, and in that process, we are socializing them, we are giving them the commands, we are going to obedience classes [and] we are giving them life experiences," Kathy Mandsager said.

The cost to breed, raise and train service dogs is about $45,000, but the people who get the dogs pay nothing.

"They provide an amazing service to people with physical disabilities," Thad Mandsager said. "Having her means I don't have to have someone around, it means I can be home alone all day and take care of myself and take care of her."

Canine Companions for Independence is currently looking for people who would like to become foster parents for their puppies. They also welcome donations.