Jeanine - Facility Dog

Bio:

Woof, my name is Jeanine II and I am a facility dog from Canine Companions for Independence.

I am no ordinary yellow Labrador retriever x Golden retriever. I am a compassionate, hard-working service dog. At work, I am very serious and care about being there for my friends. I know my place is to listen to my friends when they direct me with their voice, bring unconditional love and attention, and provide sensory experiences (movement, pressure, tactile stimulation) throughout our time together.

Our Journey Together:

Amy and I met online in an arranged partnership during Covid-19. We immediately connected, and I invited Amy to meet me in person to see if we were compatible.

Amy and her daughter Hanna came to “college” where I was learning how to be a service dog. We spent one wonderful week together learning how to partner. We taught Amy how to care for me, including brushing my teeth and giving me pedicures. After our week together, I graduated college and moved in with Amy and her family in Colorado.

Amy and I work together with our friends for no less than 20 hours per week.

A Day in Our Life:

I have my own way to greet each client I work with. When Amy tells me who we are going to see next, I perk up with upright ears and bright eyes. Some of my friends need a kiss to get started while others need my presence and I know to lay next to them or on their laps to get them ready to do their best.

Sometimes, I get to play games with my friends by taking a turn using either my mouth (Amy or my friends tell me to “get”,) or using my nose or paw to “push” buttons on my talker.

Other times, I lay next to my friends and they use my working vest pockets to store important pieces, pictures, or toys.

My favorite activity is using my nose, mouth or nose to turn on lights, make toys sing, or even blow bubbles.

Why We Love What We Do:

A facility dog is trained to perform service dog commands including picking up items, opening doors, and providing calming pressure across the client’s lap or body. Their trained skills can be utilized to enhance therapies, promote participation, and reduce anxiety for clients in professional environments. A Canine Companions facility dog is bred to be calm, reliable, and affectionate in order to assist in the development of independent living skills. Additionally, the handler can integrate a facility dog into a variety of structured therapies and utilize it to facilitate social interactions.

Amy chose to integrate a facility dog, Jeanine, into her practice when she witnessed the unconditional love facility dogs provide as well as their ability to encourage attention and participation in therapy tasks, medical appointments, and daily routines. Jeanine helps kids do things they otherwise could not or would not participate in. She is worth her weight in gold.

Jeanine's Credentials:

Jeanine is a facility dog from Canine Companions for Independence. She has been an expertly trained dog and meticulously partnered with a facilitator, Amy, to work in a healthcare setting. Canine Companions facility dogs are trustworthy in professional environments and can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire clients with special needs. Amy is responsible for handling and caring for Jeanine as both a facility dog and a pet when she is not working.

Outside the Therapy Room:

When I am not working, I love to play with my treat dispensing ball, go on long walks to sniff all the smells and play with my big brother Kai.