Continuing last week’s episode the Alabama network shares a wide range of experiences with the facility dogs they work with. Colleen also learns more about each of the facility dogs similar personality traits. We wrap up this 2 part series talking about the value of these networks in the community. Colleen provides next steps if you want to see a program like this in your community.
Tamara Martin (pictured) has facility dog Willow. Tamara works the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, AL. Tamara is Grant Administrator and facility dog handler.
Ann Leith (primary handler and full-time handler) and Jana Thomas (secondary handler) have facility dog, Wilson. They work at the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL
Patricia Falcon has facility dog Kuzco. She is the ED of the James M. Barrie Center for Children (CAC) in Gadsden, AL
Tonya Willingham has facility dog Fitzgerald (Fitz). Tonya is a former prosecutor in the Shelby County, AL District Attorney’s office who switched from prosecuting child cases to being a full-time dog handler.
Episode Highlights
1:30 – Observing Willow’s personality
2:45 – Tamera is still surprised letting Willow work
4:30 – How he dogs know who to serve & compliment the advocates
5:45 – Nervous moments that make a trial manageable
7:50 – Tamera’s future plans for a successor dog
9:45 – The planning that goes into managing a facility dogs life
13:00 – Ann & Wilson impact a child in therapy with Autism
15:15 – Jana observes Wilson creating comfort for a 10 year old girl
18:15 – The types of therapy that Wilson is included in
19:30 – Outcomes advocates hope for when partnering with facility dogs
22:45 – Ann & Jana describe Wilson’s slow demeanor
25:30 – Facility dogs consistent energy
27:00 – When the dogs are at training & are able to play
28:15 – Tonya shares how Fitz personality is inline with the rest of the facility dogs
29:45 – Fiz comforts two children during a challenging physical exam
32:30 – Colleen sees Blake working even when he’s off duty
33:40 – Staff in the facility see Fitz playing
36:00 – Patricia shares Kuzco’s personality
38:00 – Commands Kuzco is working on
40:30 – Kuzco’s time with the family translates to the office
43:00 – The extended relationships at home with the facility dogs
45:00 – Seeing the excitement as the community is educated
48:15 – Tamera shared the benefits of their unique network in Alabama
50:30 – How the network has impacted other communities