Student raising her fourth service-dog-in-training to honor her sister
Student raising her fourth service-dog-in-training to honor her sister
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WEAR-TV) — It takes years to train a certified service dog and perhaps the most important part happens in the first year and a half of their life.
Pensacola Puppy Raiser Brittney Clark is one of several mentors who will help guide reporter Kathryn Daniel as she takes on the task, raising a service dog in training for Canine Companions for Independence beginning in June.
We went with Clark as she turned in her latest puppy for advanced training in Orlando to see what is in store for our Chanel Three Puppy our viewers named “Chappie.”
It’s Ashley’s last week of puppyhood and her last days with Brittney Clark. She is the third Canine Companion pup Clark has raised from just eight weeks old.
“Renee” was first, then came Grams. Both are fully certified and working. “It doesn’t get any easier. If they tell you it’s gonna get easier Kathryn, they lied to you,” Clark said tearfully.
Yet, she keeps doing it, again and again. “I always go into it as they’re my puppy, not my dog,” she explained further.
A dog that is destined for someone else. Clark said, “It’s not about our wants, it’s about needs. People need these dogs more than I could ever want them.” Like her sister Tea’ Clark, who has had Canine Companions Service Dog Babette for years. “Seeing how it enriched her life, I knew I wanted to give back and I wanted to do this for my sister.”
Over the last two years, Tea’ has had three brain surgeries. It’s been a frightening time for all of them. Clark expanded, “She (Babette) flew to Vanderbilt with her. She was right there on the bed every moment. Sometimes I think Tea’ didn’t stay for us, but she stayed for Babette.”
All turn in are tough, but this one more than most. Tea’ was allowed to name Ashley and the Golden Retriever/Labrador cross is named after Tea’s best friend who died three years ago. Ashley, the dog is already helping folks heal. “Sheila, Ashley’s mom has got to love on her, Clark said.
On Graduation morning, the pair is anxious, but also eager to visit friends. Clark laughed, “It’s like a family reunion. You see people and they give you encouragement. They know what you’re going through or they are going through it right now and it’s nice to have that camaraderie”
Clark’s longtime friend and fellow C.C.I. Puppy Raiser Elisa Bailey is from Navarre. She’s turning in “Karen,” a gorgeous Golden Retriever and Bailey’s seventh puppy raiser. “She’s the best hugger that I’ve ever had and you know, she’s a jewel,” smiled Bailey.
It’s finally time to officially hand over the leash. Both pairs have worked toward and dreaded this moment for many months.
The women both agree that the secret to surviving final day heartbreak is having another puppy on the way, or one already in training. Bailey gets her eighth one in late June, Clark has Argos.
The stunning all black Labrador cross is about halfway through and is a little clown.
Even so, she admits it’s a miserable ride home, one she endures it by thinking back to the day Tea’ met Babette. “It’s changed her life in so many ways that I can’t even put into words.”
