Service Dogs Graduate Training to Aid Long Island's Disabled

Dogs have long been called man’s best friend, but for those at Medford-based Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), they are the organization’s students.

On Friday, the latest class of 25 service dog graduates and their trainers walked across the stage at the  in Hauppauge to receive their diplomas and sent home with those they’ll aid. Disabled people and their families traveled from across the country to be paired with an assistance dog. 

Susan Stern of Haworth, N.J., has had her CCI assistance dog, Crane, for nearly seven years. His presence has lifted her spirits tremendously.

“He’s my life,” said Stern, who watched Wednesday’s proceedings from her wheelchair. “I was widowed and I had little voice left. I was terminally sad. Then I got Crane, and some people said to me ‘welcome back.’ He’s been to 50 Broadway shows with me since. He is perfect.”

CCI is a non-profit organization that has provided assistance dogs to individuals and families since 1975. As puppies, the dogs are turned over to certified “puppy raisers,” whose duty over the ensuing 14 to 16 months involves teaching the dogs 15 basic commands. They then are taken to various training centers throughout the country, including Medford. CCI professionals train them to do everything from open refrigerators to picking items off the floor as small as a credit card. 

The final step before graduation entails a two-week trained course with their new families, during which time CCI applicants – or Team Training – learn how to work with their adopted dogs. Together they go on field trips, take exams, attend lectures and finally undergo a public access test that give them clearance to visit restaurants, hotels, planes and other locations.

Graduations occur quarterly, yet for Northeast Regional Executive Director Debbie Dougherty, the joy each one brings is never lost on her. Not only are dogs united with their eventual owners, but the owners meet those who were responsible for preparing the pups for their new lives.

“It’s just astounding to me to see how people’s lives transform, the dedication of all those involved and how it all pulls together,” Dougherty said.

For Margo Dietrich of Atlanta, she’s waited nine months for her service dog and hugged Joss mightily on Friday afternoon. Her companion can be counted on to help her dress, do the laundry, even have more enjoyable evenings on the town with her husband.

“I know what it’s like to not have [an assistance dog],” she said. “I’ve not been able to get as much accomplished and have as much of a social life.”