text and photo by Betsy Pennink
from Medford Leas Life, December 2009
Fuller, our first resident service dog, moved recently to the Lumberton campus with Kay Roberts, who has multiple sclerosis. Fuller has been her companion for the last six years.
Fuller is a handsome, poised, eight-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever and, as Kay says, “a people magnet.” When Kay is out with Fuller, everyone coming toward them is smiling, which makes Kay smile too. Fuller, of course, pays no attention to anything or anyone except Kay as he is entirely focused on his work.
Kay is a pioneer of sorts. When she was diagnosed with MS about eight years ago, she immediately turned to the Internet for information. She discovered that service dogs were available for those with MS who were wheelchair-bound, but not for those who were ambulatory. She applied anyhow to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and eventually prevailed. They had to create a special harness for Fuller, which she touches lightly for balance. Fuller, for his part, paces himself so that he is always at her knee.
Fuller knows at least 50 commands. He can pick things up (once even a credit card!) and open the refrigerator. He had to learn the special command “step” because Kay can navigate stairs. The command she uses when she takes off his harness so that he can be patted is “release.”
Kay has great praise for CCI and their thorough, scientific approach. All puppies are born in California to breeder dogs living in families. The breeds are usually yellow Labs or Golden Retrievers, although sometimes they are mixed. The puppies go to “puppy-raisers” (Kay’s brother is one), whose duties include: providing only a CCI diet, going to CCI-approved obedience classes, socializing the puppy through various outings, and sending in monthly progress reports. The puppy is then returned to CCI for a 6-to 9-month training course with professional instructors at a regional training center. The puppy must be strong, smart, and dependable. It must like food (for rewards in training) and people.
Kay and her husband Vince Menzel, went to the Training Center on Long Island for Kay’s 14-day training with Fuller. During the many interviews with her, CCI had studied her personality and they picked out her dog. During her first 30 days with Fuller, intense bonding took place, as Kay fed him and had him on a leash next to her day and night. Vince was not even allowed to make eye contact with him during that time. Now Vince doesn’t worry about leaving Kay alone while he is at work, because he knows that Fuller is at her side.
Fuller does love people and, when out of his harness, will “work the room,” says Kay. He would also be happy to go for a walk with anyone who loves dogs. Kay is concerned that he doesn’t get enough exercise. Perhaps someone would take him out when she is in the pool at Medford Leas?