January 31, 2001
Russ, a dog among students
A canine companion in training
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
At one moment he may be sitting attentively in a business class in Heidelberg College's Aigler Hall or gazing lovingly with his soulful brown eyes at one of his fellow "students.'' And he has been known to take long naps under the desk.
This is Russ, a much loved, bushy tailed and golden haired member of the college's campus. He is a companion dog in training, for the organization Canine Companions for Independence, a Golden Retriever that has been the foster puppy of professor Deb Freedman for the past 15 months. As part of the dog's training, he accompanies her everywhere she goes, to the delight of students, and faculty members, alike.
Russ is the second dog Freedman has trained. Her first, Skye, is now her pet, having not passed her additional training at "Puppy College.'' Russ, who came to her as a eight-week-old puppy in December of 1999, has grown into a loving, well behaved dog. Freedman's hope, like all parents, is that her "baby'' will go on to be successful and help someone who is disabled.
All puppy raisers, like Freedman, care for their animals for 15 months, paying all food, veterinary care and spaying or neutering costs. While at their adoptive homes, the dogs are crate trained, taught a number of commands, and are socialized with other animals, people and public settings. They also attend standard obedience classes.
After their training, the dogs -- goldens, labrador retrievers or a mix of these two breeds -- are taken to one of a number of CCI regional training centers. The one Freedman will take Russ to is in Delaware, Ohio. Once there, professional trainers will teach the dogs to do such tasks as open doors, turn off and on lights, and pick things up off the floor. If the dogs pass their tests on socialization, training and physical health, they meet the person they will be assigned to and both learn together for two weeks. If all goes well and the match is complete, they have a "graduation'' ceremony. There, Freedman will pass Russ's leash to the disabled individual who will then depend on him for mobility and quality of life.
Of every class of dogs in puppy college, one third of the dogs won't make the strenuous standards. The original "foster'' home then has the chance to adopt the dog, or they will find a good home for it.
Freedman said the dogs are truly exceptional. "They've chosen retrievers because they are so easy to train,'' she said. "They have the right temperament.''
CCI breeds their own dogs in Santa Rosa, Ca., to ensure that each dog born has the right qualities of good health and disposition. "They have geneticists that work for them,'' she explained. "They try to prevent problems like hip dysplasia, bad temperaments and skittishness. They want the best of the Goldens.''
She learned of the program by attending a convention of another "dog'' she loves, Snoopy. "I collect Snoopy stuff,'' she said. "And at the convention, I saw this information for CCI. Charles Schultz's wife, Jeannie, is on the board. I thought, 'Here is a volunteer thing a dog lover can do.' ''
After filling out an application, where she answered questions on her experience with dogs, she was approved to raise and train her first puppy, Skye, about three years ago.
Freedman demonstrated one of several commands in her office recently. "Lap,'' she stated. Russ placed each paw on her lap and raised himself up close to her chest. Other commands include "side," bringing the dog to one side of the handler; "back,'' where the dog walks backward; and "hurry,'' that has the dog urinate or defecate wherever they are while on a leash.
The dogs, from the time they are small, are taught to be comfortable wearing their special yellow and aqua blue CCI "cape," and a special collar/harness, a "gentle leader,'' that controls their head.
The biggest part of the dog's training, however, is the socializing. And the college setting has been perfect for both Russ and everyone he has come in contact with.
Freedman is a relative newcomer on campus with last semester being her first. And the presence of Russ led to some initial confusion. "I heard a rumor that they thought I was a new 'blind' faculty member,'' Freedman recalled with a chuckle. "I imagine they were nervous when they saw me pull my car into the parking lot.''
These misconceptions became a teachable moment for Freedman. "It's important for them to see that there are dogs that help others that are other than seeing eye dogs,'' she said.
Students will visit Russ during his "office hours,'' or run to visit with him while Freedman is walking across campus. "They say that they miss their dog at home,'' she said. "Or that they used to have Golden.''
Her fellow faculty members, including the college president, bestow special praises, and treats, on Russ.
"My boss bought him Christmas presents,'' she said. "I have friends who make appointments to see Russ.'' President Richard Owens has pointed out Russ during several faculty gatherings, including Spring Convocation.
Freedman was glad Russ has been so well received. "There are a lot more people on campus who know Russ than know me,'' she said with a laugh. "I'm glad they care so much about my baby.''
Her volunteer work is an all day, every day proposition. But for a dog lover like Freedman, it's the perfect way to do her part to make the world a better place.
"You have to be willing to bond with the dog,'' she said. "And you realize when you do that, you are doing this to make another person's life incredibly better. They help little kids to adults with school or work. Some end up doing Hospice work.
"You are giving that love to the dog,'' she added, "who in turn gives that love to the people who really need it in a situation where they can help them. It's the best way I know how to help another person.''