Historical September 1997 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
In the photograph accompanying this story is a Labrador puppy named Inky. Since January, Inky has resided at the home of Georgi Fox, 61xx McPherson. Fox has enlisted in a program that trains support dogs that subsequently will live with and provide assistance to those with disabilities. Fox is helping to prepare Inky for that role. Inky herself is very lovable but also a very good pupil_ Support Dogs. Inc., is a nonprofit agency, founded in 1981.
In 1995 this agency provided one-to-one services for over 30,000 people. Sup port Dogs, Inc. provides specially bred and trained Service Dogs to allow the disabled greater independence in accomplishing daily living tasks that previously were very difficult or impossible to perform These dogs are now trained to open heavy mall and house doors, load wheelchairs into vehicles. pull wheelchairs long distances and up ramps, and retrieve distant or dropped objects such as a telephone. Support puppies are placed with foster parents like Fox until they are 18 months old. Then, after undergoing additional medical and temperament screening, the puppy leaves its foster home and enters the training facility to begin an intense 8-month training program with Support Dogs. Inc.’s professional instructors. Clients who will receive support dogs also receive training on how best to utilize the dogs. Support Dogs is located at in the St. Louis area at 3958 Union Rd, 892- 2554.
Original photograph caption
Inky,a support dog in training at the home of Georgi Fox. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September 1997.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1997_09.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
