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In January 2014 my family was assigned to the January 2015 service dog training class. I was elated but shivering thinking about the severe winter weather we would encounter. Winter coats in Los Angeles are hoodies and we wear summer clothing year-round.
Two adults are required to attend the entire training session. This ensures that at least one dog handler (a parent) is able to focus on the training and the other can focus on their children’s needs. My adult nephew Joshua would be attending class with me. His college winter break fell on our class dates. We planned to spend New Years in Denver with my sister’s family, fly to Indianapolis, and finally drive two hours to Xenia Ohio.
On Christmas Eve 2014 I received an email from 4 Paws informing me that a sassy papillon had stolen the matches from the Director. This fun tradition warned the families their matches (to their dog) were about to be released. What a wonderful Christmas gift. A few hours later Miss Bee was matched with a huge white golden doodle named Ned. Ned was from the Disney Planes litter. My first thought was how could he possibly fit on an airplane and how would we manage such a huge dog in an apartment? I was excited and freaking out at the same time. The dogs are matched based on the needs of the child, the skills of the dog and temperament. Families cannot make any special requests for the breed, sex or color of the dog. I made a video about our home, school, vehicle, and neighborhood. I was required to videotape the good, bad and ugly behaviors and all relevant information about Miss Bee and her routines. This video is the basis for determining the right dog. The match was sent by email with a photo and a letter written to the child from the dog. So much thought goes into the matches and this is one detail makes 4 Paws so special.
Our Match Letter
You sure made Piper happy my new BFF. I have to tell you the Ellen stuff did it. Piper said she had to get those matches because you made Karen so happy. Nothing makes Piper happier than Karen smiling, I learned all my best service dog skills From her. Always make your human smile! I hope you are smiling already! So, my name is Ned, from the Disney Planes Litter. My brothers Zed and Roper are in class too! We are Goldendoodles because our Mom, Nour, is a Golden Retriever, and our Dad, Zeke, is a Standard Poodle. I think we should be called Golden Poodles but that’s just my opinion. My birthday is 1-10-2014 so we can celebrate together! Can we have hot dog cake, with liver pate icing and milk bone candles? Ooohhhh that sounds so good! So I was born at 4 Paws then I went to live in a foster home called the Huck Family home. I did my advanced training at 4 Paws of course. I am said to be. A calm, sweet boy and can’t wait to start my life as your new BFF. What a great Christmas gift! Hurry to Ohio Maya! Xoxoxo Ned.
Thank You Ellen Degeneres
The reference in the letter is to Ellen Degeneres. Each class sends funny and creative emails called begs and gifts/treats to Karen and the staff at 4 Paws. It helps pass the time the last few weeks. It is well known at 4 Paws that Karen, the Director is a huge Ellen fan. Since we live near Hollywood, I contacted the Ellen Shop to purchase some swag. The customer service person was so moved by the reason for my order that she added extra swag for Karen’s family and did not charge me. Karen was a happy camper as you can see by our match letter!
All of the families in our class stayed at the same hotel, the Homewood Suites. We had a kitchen and separate bedroom in our room, breakfast was included every day, and dinner 4 nights a week. The hotel is located within a mile of the mall where we had public access training and is a 20-30 minute drive to the training center. This city girl loved driving through the countryside each morning especially after it snowed. We awoke to -6 degrees several mornings. It was crazy cold.
Meeting Ned our Service Dog
Watching each family meet their dog was magical. There were many happy tears that day. Every dog has a specific trainer who is responsible for teaching the dogs their specific tasks such as hearing ear, search and rescue tracking, diabetic alert, seizure alert, tethering, behavior disruption, PTSD alert, and mobility tasks. Ned’s trainer Elena, was a visiting intern from Greece. I first thought, oh no, we have the student trainer. Elena was an experienced dog trainer obtaining an additional certification from the US and she was planning to open the first service dog program in Greece. Ned’s training was incredible. It turns out that Elena visits Los Angeles regularly, she is also a professional singer. She visits us regularly and is part of my family.
Elena brought Ned to Maya. Josh took pictures because I was caught up in the moment. Was this gentle giant going to be the answer to my prayers? We learn in the next 12 days that he was a perfect match. Miss Bee, Ned and I are a 3 person team. Miss Bee will never be the handler due to her cognitive deficits. I was being taught all that Ned was trained to do. Josh also learned but most of his time was spent helping Mac and Miss Bee complete their school work. Josh also hung out with them, and the other children and their siblings. He was a lifesaver.
The Training
I learned how to walk in public, safely with Ned, behavior disruption techniques, tethering, obedience, and fun commands. Because the dogs work with children they are trained with a social component. You go to the top of the cool scale when you have a beautiful dog going to school. Ned can high five, shake hands, roll over, give kisses, play catch and even play dead.
Under a table at the mall 
Partial Over 
Lap
Ned was an expert at riding elevators. Escalators were prohibited because fur paws and nails can get stuck. Miss Bee was terribly afraid of elevators however having Ned with her gave her the courage to step inside. I was shocked at how quickly she adapted to new experiences made possible by Ned’s presence.
The most important task was Ned’s training in public restrooms. It sounds like such an odd thing but this was life changing for the family. Loud flushing and skin sucking hand dryers were horrifying for Miss Bee but did not phase Ned. He entered the stall with Miss Bee, laid down and kept her company. His presence meant Miss Bee could finally use public bathrooms. Once we got home all Miss Bee would call Ned to the bathroom and she was able to do her thing without me. She began to enjoy long, relaxing baths. I was no longer constantly interrupted or awakened to stand in the bathroom. Miss Bee was finally able to use the restroom at school. No more worrying about kidney damage. In public, all I had to do was take Ned in with her, send him in and wait outside of the stall. I was liberated from bathroom duty.
When Raven joined the family Miss Bee called her into the bathroom in Ned’s place once. Raven complied. Miss Bee informed me Raven didn’t work out because “Ned doesn’t look.” she said. Ned just likes to go to sleep it had nothing to do with looking but I went with it.
Baby Ned 
Training
We learned about grooming and vet care, how to bring our dog on airplanes and in restaurants. We learned about the ADA and our rights regarding public access and what to do if we ran into trouble. Trouble is due to fake service dogs. We also learned what needed to be done in order for the dog to attend school.
Friendships
It was a pleasure to get to know the other families and spend 12 days without judgment and families who get it. We helped each other and dined together. The last day of training was Miss Bee’s 12th birthday. I had a little party for her at the hotel and every family attended. It was a memorable birthday. I keep in touch with everyone on Facebook.
Graduation
On the last day, we met at the mall to take the public access test. I was required to demonstrate that I could competently handle Ned in public and that I knew the obedience commands. Ned was a pro and we passed. We returned to 4 Paws to sign the paperwork and to attend graduation. Graduation was a moving and unforgettable experience. Ned received his puppy obedience training from inmates in prison. After he was sprung, he lived with a wonderful foster family. Everyone who had a hand in caring for and training our dogs was invited to graduation (except the inmates). We were fortunate to meet Ned’s foster family. Every recipient and parent had the opportunity to speak. We heard about the changes already occurring and about new friends. The tears flowed. Miss Bee and two other girls performed a dance to “Who Let the Dogs Out,” They were delightful. The hardest part was saying goodbye, especially to Elena.
Yes, Ned fits on an airplane. We early boarded and got the bulkhead, piece of cake. Stay tuned for posts about sending Ned to school and the wonderful changes in Miss Bee.
