Rotary Celebrates Veteran’s Day
Our program presenter for Veteran’s Day was Christina Taddei Rossetti - a well-known area dog trainer and owner of AlphaDogK9 Training. Christina was formerly active in the NEADS organization [Assistance dogs for deaf and disabled veterans] and currently operates BASK [Balance And Service K9 service dogs for veterans], “a non profit service dog foundation that provides and supports specifically trained assistance dogs enhance mobility and independence through canine partnerships”. Christina was accompanied by her seven-month-old “Greater Swiss Mountain Dog”. She noted that the Swiss dog was selected for their “sweet temperament and biddable nature” and can weigh as much as 150 pounds at maturity. BASK trains the dogs to assist with mobility challenges, as well as retrieve dropped items and to “stand and brace “ to prevent or assist after a fall. Christina noted, “ for stability purposes the dog should weigh about ½ of its client (owner)”. A typical client might be a person with one or more prosthetic limbs, someone with MS or organic brain disease, or trauma after an accident, etc.
BASK currently has three dogs in training and has helped many returning veterans wounded in recent wars. During her wonderful presentation Christina noted that BASK is looking for puppy raisers and “respite raisers”, people who would take a puppy for a few weekends a month to give the family raising the dog a respite. If you would like to inquire about being part of this great program, email Christina at Christina@bask9.org or check their web site at http://www.bask9.org/