Program: Kathy Kowalski
Faithfull K9 Service and therapy Dog training
It takes 7-12 months to train a service dog. It can cost up to $30,000 to train a dog who does not have any prior training. Different organizations have different qualifications for the dogs. There is not a certification for dogs who are trained.
Service dogs are generally allowed in any type of facility. The dog should be leashed when in the community.
Freedom Service Dogs are usually taken from shelters. The trainer will look to see if the dogs are friendly, will follow the rep, will allow food to be taken away, will be ok having legs moved, tail rubbed and other assessments. The FSD folks take them on 5 outings to test the dogs tolerance is. The training will include opening doors, turn on/off lights, remove clothing, help the person get out of bed, create space for people with PTSD, wake from a night mare, address anxiety, pick up items the person cannot reach and more. There are specific tasks that the dogs need to do in various settings in order to receive the FSD vest.
Susan Imming provided a handout that provided information about Service Animals, including all the laws related to them.
Guests: Tom Becker—returning to be a member! Welcome!!
Announcements/Business:
- The Board meeting is next Monday at 6pm at Well at Bradford Junction. Board members, please email your report to Finn asap.
- Mountain Area Home and Garden: Suzanne needs members to follow up with Vendors. We need additional vendors if anyone has ideas.
- St. Paddy’s party this Saturday!! Sell tickets! We are preparing for 150 dinners. There is a veggie option. We need additional card tables. Bring unsold tickets. The auction will include an option do donations to specific Rotary projects. There will be six beer vendors, 3 white and 3 red wines and Jamison Irish Whiskey.
- The Area 8 Rotarians will meet Wednesday March 21 at Mt. Vernon for social hour, 5:30pm, buffet dinner, speaker: Lee Ann Colacioppo, Editor in Chief of the Denver Post. Price: $29 for Rotarians, $39 for guests. Email Finn if you wish to attend!
- Marlis McAllister gave a brief bio: She grew up in Evergreen and went to college in California. She joined Rotary in California at the invitation of a colleague. She especially enjoyed the family of Rotary and appreciates the service that Rotary provides in the world. When she returned to Colorado, she checked out our website and joined as soon as she landed here. She has volunteered to review our by-laws; if you would like to help her, please let her know!