Canine Angels
Canine Angels is a non-profit organization that trains support dogs for those in need. Scroll writer Aniko discusses the background of this organization and the positive effects these service dogs have on people.
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Jackie Wittler ANd her Canine Angels
Jackie Wittler ANd her Canine Angels
By Aniko LaFrance-Hernandez
By Aniko LaFrance-Hernandez
Have you ever walked down the halls of Grants Pass High School and seen a dog wearing a blue vest being walked around campus? That might be Jackie Wittler and her Canine Angel.
Canine Angels is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for ages 5-25. These dogs are bred to be calm or, essentially, "boring" dogs. The calmer their parents are, the more likely the litter is to be the same way. This makes it easier for the dogs to respond to training. Once they are ready to be trained, they normally are sent to different people all over the U.S. who wish to help train dogs. The strength of the program relies on people who help with the training of the Canine Angels.
Photo Credit: canine-angels.org
Jackie not only brings the dogs to school because she is a student, but bringing them to school is also good for their training. Wittler has been doing this since the middle of her Freshman year. Typically, interested trainers have to take a dog training class prior to taking on this role. However, Jackie has already attended training classes, so she was deemed to have enough experience.
Having these dogs in a high school environment can help them learn to ignore distractions, deal with loud noises, and be comfortable with large groups of people (especially ones who may try and interact with them).
So you may be wondering: what’s in it for Jackie? It is all about motivation, really. Jackie wants to help people and make an impact. Wittler comments, “I like knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life who needs it because of the dogs I have helped train.” It is great to know that these dogs are becoming a part of something greater, and they are helping many people in today’s society.
Even if you can’t train a dog, you are able to donate and possibly volunteer. To get a new disability service animal from Canine Angels, there is a two-week program that costs $3,000. Once you finish the program, they pair you with the right best friend. To make a connection, you need to be the right type of owner, just as much as the dog needs to be the right fit for you.
Photo Credit: canine-angels.org
The next time you see these different dogs with Jackie, maybe take some time to consider and appreciate what is being accomplished. Respect that the dog has its own job and is on its own mission. Don’t interact with them unless you ask and be respectful in doing so.
Check out their website if you want to know a bit more about what they do!
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