Our Dogs
Brigadoon Service Dogs
Many people with disabilities who suffer from depression, loneliness and fear have found the unconditional love, companionship and support their service dog gives is unmeasurable…you cannot put a price tag on something so life changing.
After the dogs complete their training they are able to perform an astonishing number of tasks for their special person in need, some of which are:
- opening or closing doors or drawers
- pulling a wheelchair
- retrieving dropped items
- providing physical balance
- activating adaptive switches
- carrying items
- assisting clients up from a fall
- help in climbing or descending stairs
- help in loading or unloading the washer and dryer
- aiding in dressing
- assistance in keeping an autistic child safe
- and turning on or off a light switch
- just to name a few.
Our Puppies
Many people ask us where we get our dogs? We receive our dogs from many sources. We have had a Collie breeding program, we've both received puppies donated to Brigadoon as well as purchased puppies from reputable sources, and we also do our best to take dogs out of rescue facilities and give them a second chance for a great life.
Potential Assistance dogs are chosen for their intelligence, health and willingness to work, then they require two years of nurturing and training before they can be placed with their human partner.
Socialization
Puppy-raisers keep their charges with them 24/7, all day, every day. Because there is no way of knowing what kind of job the dog will eventually have, puppies must be exposed to as many different human situations as possible when they are young. They go to work with their puppy-raisers to learn the patience needed for human employment. They travel on every mode of transportation possible, to learn how to settle at a person's feet in a taxi, or a bus, or an airplane. They shop regularly with their raisers to learn that the meat counter in a grocery store, or the stuffed animals lined up so neatly in a toy aisle, are not provided for their personal enjoyment. They learn how to meet and greet people politely and with reserved interest, so that when they are eventually teamed with a human, they will know how to be steady and supportive at their partner's side. At the same time, the puppies are grounded in basic obedience skills by their puppy-raisers. Brigadoon supports the raisers and their puppies throughout this process.
Playtime
Amidst all the serious socialization and training are wonderful opportunities for exploring the world with the puppies, learning how to swim, or meeting a kitten for the first time are all fun experiences to share. Puppy-raisers soon realize that having a pup who needs to experience what the world has to offer, is great motivation for going to the zoo or taking a day trip on the ferry to Whidbey Island.
Advanced Training
Once the puppy has matured sufficiently, Brigadoon puppies return to the center. They spend a couple of weeks going through intensive assessment for temperament, health and trainability. Once they pass assessment they will move into the advanced part of their training to learn their amazing skills.
Changing Lives One Partnership at a Time!
Brigadoon Service Dogs - 4759 Mission Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
Non-profit Registration#: 27-0100385
Phone: 360.733.5388 Email: info@brigadoondogs.org
2012 Advanced Training Class - Potential Graduates
Sponsorships still available.
Puppies in Preliminary Training
Sponsorships still available.
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Sable
Lando
Gracie
Beans
Apollo
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Parker
Brigadoon Service Dogs
"Offering a Helping Paw!"
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Domino
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Bodie
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Josie
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June
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Ravi
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Samson
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Sophie and Alphie
