FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Each dog is different, and each client's needs are individual. Training can take a few months, or a year or more. If the dog is living here, then we also have the added expenses of food, toys, and vet care. Pricing is always based on the dog's expenses here, and the level and type of training needed. If they cannot raise the requested donation, the dog is still placed - we do not believe in preventing the team from being together until a certain amount of money is received. That is not fair to the dog or client!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am always buying books on training various skills (my most recent client needs a diabetic alert dog), as well as following articles and news in the Service and Therapy dog arena. I plan on taking classes online in the coming months, and will be continuing more training throughout the year.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Purely by accident, and through a love of animals. My own need for a service dog - and not being able to find one - led me to train my first one, "Misty" - a grungy little collie-mix puppy from a farm in Tennessee. I talked to some folks in the service dog field, got some ideas, and just started to train her. She was so in tune with me that she made it seem easy! After losing her in 2010, I started seeking another one, and again I am unable to locate what I need. I know I must train another one for myself now, for my mobility issues. I began thinking how many other people are also running into the same problem, and decided I wanted to break some of those barriers for them. I will take my knowledge and skills, and help provide the service dogs that are so desperately needed.