Facility Dogs are expertly trained dogs who partner with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation or education setting. One of the most valued qualities of the Facility Dog is the unconditional love and attention it gives to the clients and patients with whom it interacts. To receive a Facility Dog:
CCI Facility Dogs and follow-up services are free of charge.
Paralympics Athletes Assisted by CCI Facility Dog Morrow Betsy Alison, a five-time US SAILING Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and two-time Ynglling World Champion, has been working with athletes of the US Disabled Sailing Team for several years, accompanying the U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team to the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Games. She has been a staff coach of the US Disabled Sailing Team since March 2006. After observing the sailors with their pets, Alison thought that a "team dog" could act as a stress reducer and psychological motivator for athletes. Alison consulted with several sports psychologists who agreed with her concept. In May 2007 she added a new member to the sailing team -- an exceptional Facility Dog when she graduated from Canine Companions for Independence with Morrow II. Thanks to his training at Canine Companions Morrow can assist the sailors with tasks like picking up dropped tools and carrying lifejackets and dry bags. He is currently learning to help pull wheelchairs up the dock. Additionally, Morrow is a constant professional. He is not distracted by common sounds aboard the coach boat like air horns and whistles or by waves and other boats. The team includes eighteen disabled athletes -- many with spinal cord injuries of varying severity, about half in wheelchairs. The sailors range in age from 22 to 72 and come from all backgrounds. Alison noticed that when a sailor makes errors or performs poorly on the water, they often internalized the stress and their mental state suffers. "Morrow provides stress reduction. You can't help but smile at his unconditional love and regain a positive outlook," says Alison. Facility Dog Morrow will not be traveling to China for the Paralympics with the team, but he will certainly be there in spirit. "I'll bring some pictures of Morrow along with his well wishes for the team, that will undoubtedly put smiles on our athletes' faces," explains Coach Alison. |