Our Shea Center facility dog, Emerson, recently retired from his job of daily interaction with our clients.  Our new facility dog is Diamond who comes from Canine Companions for Independence.  She is a Labrador born on July 12, 2018, and her handler is physical therapist Susan Conroy.

Just like Emerson, Diamond will be interacting with our clients and motivating them to accomplish their goals.  She loves to shake hands and be petted too.

Canine Companions for Independence shared a video of their recent graduating class of dogs, in which Diamond and Susan are featured.  To watch Diamond and Susan’s section in the video, start viewing at the 2 minute and 25 second marker.

Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit that provides assistance dogs and ongoing support, free of change, to enhance independence for people with disabilities. Facility dogs are expertly trained dogs that partner with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation or education setting. The dogs are trustworthily in professional environments and can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire clients with special needs.