March 22, 2009

A local organization that raises dogs to help people with disabilities celebrates a special graduation Sunday at the Holiday Inn on Emmet Street in Charlottesville.

For the first time, Service Dogs of Virginia successfully placed dogs with an autistic child and veterans.

Glory is a yellow lab and seven-year-old Jack Hanes's companion. Jack has autism and his parents thought a special dog might help.

"One of the things we were looking for was a dog that'd be able to help us while we're in public," said Mike Hanes, Jack's dad. "To keep Jack anchored to us, and give him something to focus on."

Glory is trained to walk beside Jack and use her weight to keep him from running away.

"Initially she was a little afraid of Jack because he acts a little different from the children she's been exposed to, but she's gradually getting adjusted to Jack, and he feeds her every meal," said Mr. Hanes on Jack and Glory's connection.

Another dog changing lives is Cousteau, or "Coose". He's been placed with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are going through rehab at the Lakeview Virginia Neurocare Center in Charlottesville.

"They enjoy having him around because they miss their dogs. They miss their family," said Kellie Doolittle. She takes care of Cousteau and introduces the dog to the veterans when she works with them during rehab.

Cousteau came from the SPCA, and Doolittle says he's a very low-key dog.

"Having him there is just one more way that we can give back to [the veterans], to make them come through their treatment a little more easily," explains Doolittle.

Those involved with Service Dogs of Virginia say seeing the dogs matched with loving owners, like Jack and the veterans, make their work worthwhile.

These dogs provide more than emotional support. Many are trained to help people with disabilities do day-to-day activities like picking up dropped items or even answering the phone.

For more information on Service Dogs of Virginia check out their website.