This is the good part of raising service dogs. Hearing how well they're doing in their forever homes with their forever partners. (For a look at the ugly side of raising a service dog, read my turn-in post…)
I talked to Talos' forever person, Kathy, today about the possibility of us dog-sitting for Big T while she takes care of some medical appointments. (Yeah, never a problem for us to dog-sit that big lug. We're here for him (and her) anytime, no question!)
What I heard about Big T and what he and Kathy are accomplishing made my heart sing.
Talos was trained to be a balance dog. He helps Kathy stay on her feet. You can see the video of their very first meeting and just how he helps her keep her balance here. (It's really something to see!)
Anyway, Kathy said Talos has expanded his job description, all of his own doing. He goes and gets family members when Kathy needs some help — he'll seek out people, one at a time, until someone can come and help her. He also alerts Kathy when it's time to change different medical equipment. Neither of these (monumental) tasks were trained by the service dog agency, these are things that Talos has picked up all by himself.
These minute changes — untrained, mind you — speak to a deep bond between the dog and his person. These are things that Talos just picked up over time, as a result of spending a lot of good, quality time together as partners with Kathy.
Ahhh, after all the heartache and the second-guessing that happens after raising a service dog, it's nice to hear how well the match was made and just how valuable each part of the team is to one another.
I’m so not surprised that Talos is nurturing. I think he got that from you! He is also very smart.
Thanks for sharing this. It just gave me warm fuzzy feeling all over.
Aww, thanks. Yep, that story gave me warm fuzzies, too! Makes me happy.
How wonderful that Talos is expanding his responsibilities to help his person even more. You must be so proud of him. And it sounds like he was perfectly matched with Kathy.
Way to go Talos…I knew he was a special boy…thanks to Kathy for letting us hear how he is doing in his ne job and thanks to you for raising the big lug.
AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane & Denise
Being long distance friends with Kathy at times I forget now why she even needs Talos. Her world has expanded and her life is so much sweeter with him. Thank you for training him and being strong enough to give him to Kathy. There is a special place in Heaven for you and your group. God bless you.Laini
That’s awesome – it’s fantastic that Talos and his person are doing so well together. 🙂
I LOVE Talos updates! He seems to be the perfect match for Kathy and it’s so great to hear how much more he’s learning.
Can’t wait til you dog sit him and we can get more Talos pictures! 🙂
Pamela, thanks for stopping in. Yes, I’m super proud of the big lug. And couldn’t be happier with his match. I love Kathy — because she’s cool, but also because she loves T as much as I do! 🙂
Yes, I must say that I love getting updates and staying in-touch with Kathy and Talos. It makes all the heartache worth it to hear how well he’s doing and how much he’s helping. 🙂
I’m so glad that the two of them are such good friends and have so much fun together. I think he enjoys her as much as he helps her! 🙂
Makes me a happy camper. 🙂
There might be a visit from Big T in November! Can’t wait to see both Kathy and Talos again. They make my day.
Awww, what a wonderful story-thanks for sharing it Laurie!