Gill the Service Pup Visits Williams

On May 15, 2023, Gill, the San Jose Sharks' Pup, visited Williams to help teach our students about service dogs. Gill is a nine-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy in training with Canine Companions to become a service dog when he grows up. As the "Shark's Pup" Gill attends home games and does other public appearances to show people the important work of service dogs.  Gill and his teacher, Shari, explained what a service dog does, how they are trained at "Dog College," and how they work with their partners once they are matched. Shari is teaching Gill important puppy things like basic obedience, good house manners, how to stay with his person, and how to behave in crowds.   When he goes to dog college at 18 months old, he will be trained as a special helper for a person who needs him. 

Ellie, a hearing-dog, came with her person Jenna who told us how Ellie helps her with everyday things like answering doorbells and alerting to the oven timer when she bakes cookies, and for important things like fire alarms.  Other service dogs may help people in wheelchairs, veterans, people who are blind, and even to predict seizures. 

The students had lots of questions, and a good time was had by all!

August 2024 UPDATE!!!  Gill has found his forever person! He will be helping a young man named Chase. Congratulations Gill and Chase!