Future service animal demonstrates skills

Titan, a four-month-old service dog in training, greeted the Sher brothers, Eli and Noah, at the David M. Hunt Library Wednesday, April 16.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Future service animal demonstrates skills

FALLS VILLAGE — Pat Campbell, a volunteer with Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, or ECAD, brought a half golden retriever, half Labrador mix named Titan to the David M. Hunt Library Wednesday, April 16 to demonstrate how the organization trains service dogs.

Titan was on his best behavior throughout, urged on by frequent deployment of puppy treats.

While ECAD has a staff, a lot of the work is done by volunteers. Those interested can simply come to the ECAD kennel in Winsted and play with the puppies.

Campbell explained this helps socialize the puppies and helps them get used to being handled.

For those willing to get more involved, they can take a dog home for a weekend or for longer commitment of six months.

There is some training involved — for the volunteers.

When the dogs are ready to be assigned to someone permanently, the results are life changing.

Campbell recalled a woman who was a quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair and completely dependent on her mother and a computer with a stylus, which the woman could manipulate.

But if the stylus fell on the floor, there was nothing she could do about it until someone came along to check on her. So, ECAD trained a dog to retrieve the stylus.

Campbell put Titan through his paces for the library audience. She shooed him under a small table and asked him to stay while she sat some distance away and continued speaking.

Apart from the occasional look of mild reproach, Titan stayed put until summoned.

The amiable puppy also submitted eagerly to being petted.

Volunteering for ECAD does require some effort, Campbell acknowledged.

“But it’s worth every second knowing you can change someone’s life.”

Latest News

Pirates go back-to-back as league champs

The Canaan Pirates pose as champions after defending the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title.

Photo by Riley Klein

THOMASTON The Canaan Pirates are champions once more.

In the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title game Friday, June 13, the Pirates defeated Thomaston JRC Transportation by a score of 6-2.

Keep ReadingShow less
Red Sox end season with comeback win

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Red Sox ended the season with a thrilling 14-13 win over the Tri-Town Phillies Thursday, June 12.

Canaan trailed for most of the game but kept it close. Ultimately, the Red Sox secured the victory with a final-inning comeback in front of the home crowd at Steve Blass Field.

Keep ReadingShow less
State Rep. Horn injured in running accident

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) was treated for her injuries at Sharon Hospital.

Photo by John Coston

The day after concluding what has been described as a grueling legislative session, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) had a running accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis and collarbone among other more minor bruises and abrasions. Despite the injuries, she is in good spirits and recuperating at home, eager to get back on her feet.

Horn said after spending weeks in the assembly hall, she was eager to get some outdoor exercise in, but perhaps pushed a little too hard too soon. She said she was excited to get a run in on the morning of Friday, June 6, but was still exhausted from her time in Hartford and in the final stretch of recovering from a meniscus repair surgery in December.

Keep ReadingShow less
Walk-off win sends Pirates to championship

Milo Ellison sends a fly ball to left field, bringing home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn in a walk-off win for the Canaan Pirates June 11.

Photo by Riley Klein

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Pirates advanced to the league championship after a comeback victory over the Tri-Town Red Sox Wednesday, June 11.

Down 3-2 with two outs and two on in the bottom of the 6th inning, "Mighty" Milo Ellison stepped up to the plate and launched a fly ball deep to left field. The single brought home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn for a walk-off Pirates win.

Keep ReadingShow less