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Expanded service area

March 29, 2010

Shadows for Life has expanded our service area to include new clients in San Antonio and Temple to name a few.  Revised donation and fund-raising guidelines have enhanced our ability to support this type of activity.  With the need for Assistance Dogs for minor children seemingly increasing daily, Shadows for Life remains one of the few agencies that will work with families with special needs minors.  The benefits and results of having these specially trained dogs as members of the families are tremendous.  Also, both programs that we have are intended for the families to reap the initial benefits almost immediately upon the placement of the dog’s into the home, even with puppies.  The method of having Shadows for Life jump start the training routine has been consistently effective in establishing the structure and guidelines to be followed-up on in the home.

The agency is emphasizing to start with a puppy and to begin the training right away.  Even young adult dogs may possibly have developed bad habits which may be difficult to break or modify.  Although, we did successfully place a rescued lab with a special needs family during this past winter, so it can be done.  Please note that there are no specific breeds for Assistance Dogs, although some instinctively perform specific tasks more reliably than others.  The key is the true temperament of the puppy/dog, as this can not be taught.  Shadows for Life has a temperament test that should be given to any dog being considered as an Assistance Dog.