Studies have shown that, when paired with an Assistance Dog, a person with ambulatory disabilities experiences an substantial improvement in motivation, psychological well-being and social status. Working with an Assistance Dog dramatically lowers blood pressure, stress, loneliness and improves general health. An additional benefit is the significant reduction in needed care giver hours. All aspects of the disabled person's life is improved. TLCAD’s mission is to help accomplish this goal with a TLCAD Team of:
One Dog, One Trainer, One Handler For team TLCAD training each Dog lives with his Trainer in a loving home environment throughout his training, generally 8 weeks until placement - approximately 24 months. During the second year of his training the Dog is paired with his future disabled Handler. As a team, the Trainer and the Handler work together to custom train the Dog to meet the Handler's specific needs. Typically, the waiting list to receive an Assistance Dog is 1-4 years. Because public funds are extremely limited, we depend on community support to help shorten this waiting period. Here is how you can help!
Types of Assistance Dogs TLCAD Provides Why Assistance Dogs? |
| Service Dogs Assist persons with limited mobility. Service Dogs retrieve dropped items, turn lights on and off, put trash into receptacles, hold telephones and perform many other "services" needed by persons with limited mobility. Signal Dogs Alert their deaf partners to the sounds of a ringing telephone, a doorbell, a baby crying, a smoke detector, emergency sirens, persons calling them, and any other sounds to which their partners need "signaled." Facility Dogs Assist their Handlers in a variety of health related facilities. Facility Dogs assist therapists and counselors to calm patients and break through barriers that counselors alone often cannot. At times people respond to dogs where they will not to other humans. Facility Dogs may also work in physical rehabilitation settings, helping patients to improve their motor and communication skills. Specialty Dogs Perform targeted tasks for their Handlers such as assist with balance, seizure alert, support for fear abatement and social interaction as well as assisting persons with multiple disabilities. |
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