The director of A New Leash on Life, Barbara Lewis, came yesterday and Worthy and I went through our paces together. She observed, observed, and observed some more! He is just a bit over 21 months old, and his abilities will deepen. But they are there now!
I'm so excited. She is going to certify him now as my assistance/service dog. The law does not require this certification. I am disabled and he aids me, and he behaves properly in the places I take him, which is what the law requires. No matter what certification, if an assistance/service dog causes serious disruption, the proprietor of a public place has the right to require the disabled person to remove that dog from that place. So I will continue to train and to handle Worthy just as carefully!
But I am so excited! She took pictures of him yesterday to get a good photo for his ID card. That is very, very difficult to do with a black Standard Poodle! But his groomer trimming the fur back from his eyes, and the director's skill with a camera came through!
He is going for grooming tomorrow and she shot the photos yesterday, which is wonderful. For his grooming to hold up so well for the full time is just wonderful. I am so pleased.
This is God's answer to my prayer for Christmas. Thank you, Father!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47
