We were approached by Summit Assistance Dogs (http://SummitDogs.org) to put a link to them on this website. So Jerry and I visited them June 13th at Oak Harbor (WA) Middle School on Whidbey Island where they have been running a program for at risk youth (mostly anger management with boys). We were so impressed with the nine puppies and dogs they are training for ultimate use with disabled people that we got Board approval to donate $100 to their cause.
Although they have not had a request for use of a dog by people with MS/cancer, they would be willing to train one, if needed. Puppies are kept in a kennel or volunteer home until they are old enough to be trained by Sue Meitzinger who founded their organization. Then they work with the at-risk students, then the dogs are trained by Sue and her volunteers, and then they are trained intensively with their new owners.
The Spring 2001 issue of MSConnection newsletter has an article about aide dogs which we can also reprint or reference on the website.
