Balto's New Life

Or, how an ex-racer ended up as an assistance dog!

When I was nearly 22 I had a stroke. I was lucky; it was a small stroke and although I had difficulty reading and speaking normally, within a few short months I was back to "normal." At that time, I was volunteering for an organization in Wisconsin that trained Service Dogs in a men's prison. That is when my life changed forever, in so many ways. No longer did I take my happiness for granted and I had a whole new perspective on what these dogs provide for their disabled people. Life was no longer about how much money I would make or how big my house would be. I knew that I wanted to devote my life to working with dogs and people with disabilities.

I spent a couple of years volunteering for Assistance Dogs organizations, then got a job as a trainer/office manager. I spent a year managing a boarding kennel, started my own in-home training business, and then got a job working at a veterinary clinic. I knew that all of this experience would help me to stand out as a trainer, and would enable me to be a better trainer for my future clients. Everything I did revolved around some day starting my own nonprofit. I wanted the opportunity to rescue and work with the breeds I knew could make good Assistance Dogs, to work with kids, and to train not only Service Dogs but also Hearing and Seizure Response Dogs. Currently, I am a vet tech and, because the Dr. Anders at Highlands Ranch Animal Clinic sees the dogs in training at cost, I was able to start my own organization in November 2003. I contacted Colorado Greyhound Adoption almost immediately. I knew I wanted to work with the strength and gentleness that only a Greyhound can provide. What other breed could be handled by a 4 year old, and yet still provide assistance? I am looking for dogs that are between 1.5 to 3 years old. If they are too much younger than that we cannot reliably x-ray their hips and if they are over 3 by the time they spent 6 months training they are nearing middle age. All dogs have to pass a temperament test first (where we test for sound sensitivity, fearfulness, and do things like hold feet and ears) to ensure they are going to enjoy the rigors of being in public. Then, it's off to the vet for a clean bill of health! We use clicker training, so I also need a dog that is food motivated.

"Bart" was the first CGA greyhound I tested, but discovered that his poor vision made him unable to work for a living. "Balto" was next, and although he suffered from some separation anxiety, he was perfect for the job. His calm and caring temperament made him perfect for the job, and he lived to go out in public and work. Nothing bothers him; noise, people, children are all taken in stride while he is out in public. When Lucas (age 4 1/2) and his mother came to me looking for a dog, I knew Balto was the only dog for the job. Lucas needed an assistance dog that could help stabilize him while he was learning to walk without his walker. During their second day together, at the Denver Zoo, we attached Balto's leash to Lucas' walker. Although Balto had never been to the zoo, he never attempted to pull Lucas. Lucas would run from one animal exhibit to another, dodging squirrels, bunnies, and peacocks and Balto would run alongside him, oblivious to the distractions around him. When Lucas got tired, Balto would linger at his side. Their bond was immediate. At one point Lucas' Mom was touched by the fact that the kids at the zoo were coming over to Lucas and asking about Balto so that they could pet him. Usually, children either run him over trying to get past him and his cumbersome walker or they totally avoid him because he is different. Balto was already a great icebreaker, making Lucas seem fun and approachable to all the other kids. Earlier in the day, I had told Lucas how Balto especially likes a little kiss on the top of his head when he is good, so naturally when a little girl who was about five came up and asked to pet Balto, Lucas leaned over and told her how much his dog would like a kiss on the top of his head. Many kisses later they were both exhausted but elated to have one another to share their life experiences with. Hereafter, they will spend every waking moment together - a perfect arrangement for both boy and dog. Balto will not only be a furry "cane" to help him walk, he will also hold doors open, excel at basic obedience, heel next to his walker and facilitate interaction with the community! You see Greyhounds not only make great decorative furniture they can also make wonderful life companions and workers. Just ask Lucas' Mom!

From Colorado Greyhound Adoption Newsletter Issue #6 June 2005
Published by Colorado Greyhound Adoption, PO Box 2402, Littleton CO 80161-2402