Kaleb Van Adelrik:
Certified Assistance Dog
Johnathan en Kaleb: Partners for live.
Assistance
dogs are hearing, service, or guide. The average wait for one of these dogs
is 2-5 years. Training is estimated to cost $15-25,000 per dog. There are over 50
million disabled people in the US and only 15-20,000 assistance
dogs! Under the ADA , or A merican's With D isabilities A ct
these dogs can accompany their partner anywhere.
Kaleb is learning extensive basic obedience, he will be house broken and well
socialized. Kaleb has a great attitude, nothing much phases him and he just kind
of goes through the world making friends. He has learned to back under tables
and do a down stay. He has also learned to open and close cabinets. And pulling
me in the wheelchair is getting better. We both had to learn a good pace and
we found when his front paws are even with my feet works best. I have my arm
extended holding on to a harness attachment so when he drifts too close to the
chair I can just tighten my arm and gently push him away. I am not too sure on
the details, but it seems Judi is a miracle worker. We live on the coast of NC,
so to go see him is a 5 hour trip. I can go visit him during training whenever
I like. For the last month of training we will work together as a team , 2 weeks
where he is training and 2 weeks here. , I am not his master or his ruler, he
will make my life easier and in turn I will take care of him and give him affection.
I also used the word team, there is no "I" in team, we will work together to
get through daily task.
