North Shore Animal League America rescued Benji from an overcrowded shelter. And today, the dog gives a new meaning to the phrase “second chances.” He is the first graduating service dog of Putnam Service Dogs. Benji will now dedicate his life to assisting persons with disabilities other than blindness.
Putnam Service Dogs and Animal League America collaborate to find rescue puppies that have the potential to work as service animals. The training process entails finding puppy raisers who can bring them to classes, work with them every day, care for, and live with them until they are ready for work. Benji, along with the other selected pups, underwent extensive and rigorous training. After two years, the dogs successfully completed their coursework and are now ready to render service to individuals in need of help.
Following Benji’s footsteps are puppies Callie, Cary, Chance, and Charlie. Every puppy had an assigned puppy raiser, and they’ve started their classes most recently. The weekly beginner’s classes help hone the pups’ obedience to a high level using a humane, positive reinforcement method.
The head trainer for Putnam Service Dogs now trains Benji’s new owner so they could work together without a fuss. Benji showed exemplary performance, and he was the star of his Puppies-in-Training Class. During their first day, Benji’s new owner drove to the pet store and bought a brush and several other dog items plus for him. He even had a new bed that he picked out!
Service dogs guide blind people and alert those who are deaf. They also assist in pulling a wheelchair and warns a person who is about to have a seizure.
Benji will soon break grounds in his new line of work. Like him, every new puppy rescued by Animal League America will take on an important role that will forever make a difference to the lives of so many people.
Credits to Putnam Service Dogs
