Paws for a Cause
Arlington Catholic High School Paws for a Cause By Brendan Meehan Guest Reporter organization, enhances the lives of At first glance, many people people with disabilities by providing would look at my dog Ziti and as- highly trained assistance dogs and sume he is my house pet. What they on-going support to ensure quality would not know was that Ziti has a partnerships. Since then, more than very special job, and a second life. 6,000 people have been placed in the Ziti, as those who have met him program, which assures, “The assis- would know, is one of the most en- tance dogs we breed, raise, and train ergetic and excited dogs one could aren’t just the ears, hands, and legs ever meet. Ziti, however, has a of their human partners. They’re softer side as a service dog in train- also goodwill ambassadors, and ing. Service animals can be defined often their best friends. They open as animals who have specialized up new opportunities and new pos- training to enable the greater in- sibilities, and spread incredible joy.” dependence of another being. For I’ve been raising these animals me, Ziti proves to be another fine since middle school, and Ziti is the example of the time and effort that third dog that I have fostered. In go into training a service animal. his time with me, he will learn over Founded in 1975, Canine Compan- forty commands, become an out- ions for Independence, a non-profit standing candidate for obedience training, and learn how to help an- Photo by Brendan Meehan It wasn’t actually even my idea to get involved with service animals.
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