Certification and Graduation

Duke and I spent this weekend training and passing a certification test along with other service dogs and their handlers.  We were very fortunate to have a wonderful trainer named Beth.  Beth is a former inmate of the prison where Duke was initially trained.  Beth's skills and knowledge in training are superb.  Beth told us how training service dogs has and continues to change her life.   Throughout the weekend, Beth had myself and others in tears several times.  She spoke of a less than wonderful childhood where she did not feel love or acceptance.  During this time in her life, she made choices that ultimately ended in her losing her freedom.  It was in prison where she became a part of a service dog training program.  She was credited with being one of the first trainers.  Through the program she learned life skills, coping mechanisms, and ultimately found the love and acceptance that she craved.  What I found most inspiring about Beth is that upon her release from prison, she continues to gives back to others through her works with Service Dogs Alabama.

I should have known just by looking around that I would be an emotional wreck at graduation.  As recipients stood and shared how their dogs have changed their lives, the tears started flowing.  When my husband joked on me for crying on stage, I responded that, "How could I not?  They put my favorite things together.... dogs mixed in with teaching, great kids, and Veterans."  A final question was asked to all on stage, "Did you get the dog you need/matched personality/right for you?"  I knew everyone would raise their hand, but as I looked around(their were pictures of handlers with their dogs) I saw it was really true.  I saw a little girl with poodle(sparkly collar included) and a boy with a golden retriever on a paddle board in the water!  I saw grown men with large Labrador retrievers, and then their was me with Duke.  I do believe that Duke and I are meant to make a difference together.  My hope is inspired by Beth.  I hope that Duke and I will be able to offer love and acceptance to the children in our school and community.  I hope that this love and acceptance inspires them to do great things that make a positive impact on the world around them.

Check out all the press about graduation!

Service Dogs Alabama Graduation-WSFA news story

Service Dogs Saving Lives WAKA news story -See Beth's Interview

Service Dogs Pave the Way -Montgomery Advertiser article

Duke and his Batman bowtie

Some of the Elmore County Service dogs, their handlers(teachers),

Superintendent Dr. Harrison and Claire Moore