Blair & Nala

I recently ran into Blair, a friend of mine, here in the hallway at Lyndhurst. He had with him a new four-legged companion who he introduced as Nala. What a beautiful dog she is!

Nala is a yellow lab just over a year old, who is a graduate of Special Skills Dogs of Canada (SSDC). SSDC works with various clients including those who have physical disabilities. Blair, who has quadriplegia as a result of a diving accident a few years ago,
applied to SSDC immediately after learning about the program from an article his father had read in the paper.

Six months later, Blair was called for a telephone interview. This interview was essentially an in-depth screening process to ensure that he was an appropriate candidate for the program. Some months following the telephone interview he was contacted again by SSDC to invite him in for an in-person interview. After an intensive interview in August of last year he was told he was, indeed, a good candidate for the program and he would be contacted when they had a dog for him. Anticipating that he would have to wait a considerable time before they called, he was thrilled when two months later he received notice that someone had cancelled and he was next on the list.

The next step in the process was for Blair to head down to Oakville to the SSDC training
facility. This would be Blair’s new home for almost three weeks. During this stay, for the first three days he was up early and in class learning basic commands for his new aid, such as “Sit”, “Heel”, and how and when to use positive reinforcement with praise and or treats. With a good understanding of basic commands, Blair was now ready to meet Nala. For the duration of his stay, he and Nala would practice the unique tasks that Blair requires assistance with, such as opening the fridge door, turning the lights on and off, pressing elevator buttons, picking objects off the floor, doing laundry, etc. Other training involved going out in the community with Nala. This included a visit to a busy shopping mall, riding on public transit, crossing the street and other aspects of Blair’s daily living.

The Special Skills Dogs are paired with the owner according to one’s lifestyle. For example, if you are active and on the go like Blair you will need a dog that can perform well in busy environments without being distracted. Usually, the preferred breed for Special Skills Dogs are Labrador Retrievers, however, other breeds may be used as well. For example, Poodles may be used if one has allergies.

Since graduating from the program, Blair and Nala have become a wonderful team. Blair describes her as a great companion who enriches his quality of life immeasurably. She helps him with so many tasks throughout the day giving him a greater degree of independence. On one recent occasion, Nala summoned help when Blair accidentally fell over in his wheelchair. Blair whispered “help, help” and Nala began barking until help arrived. If Blair had been on his own he’d have been stuck for hours!

Perhaps the biggest challenge to owning a Special Skills Dog is being consistent with commands. It requires considerable effort and attention. As Blair explained to me when Nala has her “halty” on she is working and it is not time for play. She needs to be focused and not distracted. This is often a problem when Blair and Nala are out in public as many people see this beautiful dog and immediately want to pet her. Blair often has to tell people not to touch his dog as, “she is working.” This can be extremely draining at times but it is essential in order to keep Nala disciplined and focused. However, when the “halty” comes off she can just be a dog and what a loving and affectionate pet she is.

Blair gratefully acknowledges Special Skills Dogs of Canada and the Lions Foundation for the amazing work they do. Thanks goes out to everyone involved at SSDC from the kitchen staff who prepared the delicious meals, to the trainers and volunteers. A special note of thanks to Nala’s foster father Dave who nurtured and cared for her during the first year of her life.

If you would like to learn more about Special Skills Dogs of Canada, visit their website at www.dogguides.com.