www.nsd.on.ca1286 Cedar Creek Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5T 519-623-4188 F 519-623-9997 E info@nsd.on.ca

The NSD Scoop“enriching the quality of life and enhancing the independenceof children and families living with autism and special needs.”

In This Issue:Testimonial: Andrew and

NSD FlickaExciting EventsNew Organizational

UpdatesHealth Tips for the SeasonBreeding UpdatePuppies in TrainingAdvanced Training Update

Summer 2013

Sponsor a CompanionDog$5,000 - Title sponsor of aCompanion team$10,000 - Title sponsor of aSkilled Companion team

Sponsor a Child$10,000 - Title sponsor of anService Dog Team

Sponsor a TeamTraining Class$10,000 - Support ourfamilies as they attend aOne week training courseTo become certifiedhandlers.

Sponsor a Puppy$1,000 - Sponsors a puppy’sfirst year

Sponsor a Kennel$2,000 - Sponsors a kennelfor one year

Ways to GiveMake a GeneralDonationOnline: www.nsd.on.caBy Phone: 519-623-4188By Mail: 1286 Cedar Creek

Road, Cambridge ON N1R5S5

Andrew and NSD FlickaMy name is Andrew. I was matched with NSD Flicka in June. Flicka, a two year oldGolden Retriever, is a graduate of NSD’s Skilled Companion Dog program.

I struggle with complex post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relatedsymptoms. For me, the symptoms became pronounced in adulthood, and are aresult of prolonged sexual abuse I endured in my childhood. Flicka is the firstSkilled Companion Dog to be trained and placed to support a person with PTSDwho is a non-veteran. When I first learned that I would be matched, I was hopefuland grateful. Now that she is with me, the feelings of gratitude have multiplied.

Flicka has been trained to assist me with a number of things, including themanagement of dissociative episodes, hyper-vigilance and affect regulation. Shedoes this in many ways, but one of her ways really surprised me; Flicka has beentrained to give me hugs when I ask for them. Her hugs cause me to focus on herand are very soothing.

I struggle with my emotions. My pattern has been to try to bottle them up andsuppress them in the hope they will go away. If you have ever tried this, you willknow that it does not work very well. For me, when the emotions surface, they haveoften been uncontrollable. The night Flicka arrived at my place, we went into mybedroom. With her, I felt safe, and I had a good cry. She stayed with me, was inconstant contact, and the crying did not spiral into anything more than a muchneeded emotional release. Flicka continues to help me this way.

During our first month together, Flicka has been active and adjusting to life with me. She is now a pro with riding Toronto'ssubways, streetcars and buses. She has been to the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Toronto EatonCentre. Flicka works very hard when we're in public together, but her life is not all work. She loves to retrieve balls and otherflying rubber objects, and she really takes advantage of her off-leash dog park time.

Flicka has already helped me through one significant life change, the birth of my son. With the exception of the final stage of thedelivery, Flicka was present. She was with me and my spouse through labour, the early stages of delivery and the periodimmediately following delivery. In the delivery room, she was an amazing support for me and a credit to her trainers. She haswelcomed the baby into our family, and my spouse and I are excited to watch the two of them grow up together.

The next challenge for Flicka and me is my return to work.

Earlier, I wrote that I was grateful. In all honesty, there are times when I am with Flicka where I cannot begin to describe howgrateful I am to NSD, NSD’s trainers, and Tamara Leniew (NSD's Client Services Coordinator) for being willing to even considerplacing a Skilled Companion Dog with a non-veteran. I am also grateful for the puppy raising Alison and Gail did with Flicka too.

Flicka will be at NSD's Open House on Sunday, August 25th, and she also has her own blog, which can be read atwww.myptsdservicedog.com.

EventsPawloozaSaturday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.The Plunkett Estate, 9282 Elviage Drive, London ONJoin us at this exciting pet festival! Take your dog dock diving, go trail walking, go swimming in the Pawlooza pond,test your dog's agility, go off-leash in the FunZone, get trick advice, get obedience advice, get readings from a petpsychic, learn about pet first aid, watch agility demonstrations, shop from 150 vendors, get great deals by bidding onsilent auction items, and load up on free samples. Admission is free at Pawlooza; there is a $10 cost per vehicle forparking. Make sure you stop by the NSD booth in the non-profit section to say hi! For more information, visitwww.pawlooza.com.

NSD Open HouseSunday, August 25, noon to 4:00 p.m.,NSD Training Centre, 1286 Cedar Creek Rd, Cambridge ONDrop in to our Training Centre for our Annual Open House during the last weekend of August. The afternoon willinclude a BBQ, children’s crafts, tours, service dog demonstrations, and volunteer awards. For more information,contact lindsay@nsd.on.ca or ext. 10.

MantrackingSaturday, September 720 minutes outside of Cambridge ONParticipants compete in teams of two as prey or trackers. The Tracking Teams include people on horseback or withdogs who try to capture the Prey Teams before they reach all five checkpoints. The Prey Teams include peoplecovering 10 km of rugged terrain that are trying to reach five checkpoints while avoiding capture by the TrackingTeams. We are currently looking for Prey and Tracking Teams (all participants must be 18 years of age or older);contact lindsay@nsd.on.ca to register. All teams are asked to raise a minimum of $300.

Petland’s “PAWS for Autism” CampaignThe Month of OctoberIn Corporate and Select Franchise Petland Stores Across the West CoastVisit a participating Petland store in October for their annual “Paws for Autism” Campaign is support of NationalService Dogs. Purchase a paper PAW for $2 and help support a local child on our wait list. For more information,contact lindsay@nsd.on.ca or ext. 10.

Participating Locations: Watch our website and Facebook page for a full list of participating stores soon!

NSD Happenings & UpdatesNSD Mittens for SaleGet prepared for winter by purchasing a pair on these great NSD mittens. A youth and adult size isavailable. Cost: $10 each. Contact chris@nsd.on.ca for details; orders cannot be shipped, but theywill also be available for purchase at the NSD Open House.

Thank YouNational Service Dogs wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following foundations for theirvision, and very generous support of our new Canine Assisted Intervention (CAI) Program. Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation The Charles H. Ivey Foundation The Alva Foundation The Johansen-Larsen Foundation International Plowing Match 1995 Fund

CAI programs are goal-directed interventions which integrate service dogs into treatment for individuals sufferingfrom mental illness, abuse and trauma. This program, which matches service dogs with treatment professionals in atherapeutic and rehabilitative setting, aims to successfully mitigate the effects of trauma and abuse, like anxiety,aggression, alarm states, hyper-vigilance and withdrawal, to enhance recovery and facilitate healthy development.

The pilot of this program was launched in May 2013. NSD is grateful to the above foundations, who share thecommitment of National Service Dogs, to empower marginalized individuals to overcome the barriers they face.

NSD’s New E-waste Collection ProgramDo you have any old electronics or cell phones lying around your house? Is your place of employment purchasingnew computer systems? NSD will be hosting an E-Waste recycling day this fall. We’ve partnered with Greentec, alicensed e-waste recycler to raise funds for our puppies-in-training. We want your old cell phones, computers, MP3players, iPods, printers and cartridges. Watch our website and Facebook page for more information.

Promote Your NSD FundraiserAre you organizing an event in support of National Service Dogs? Provide us with all the details and we’ll add it to thenext issue of “The Scoop.” Contact lindsay@nsd.on.ca or ext. 10 to promote your event.

Re-gift for the Right ReasonsWere you recently faced with receiving a gift that is worthy of re-gifting? Not to worry, we can put your unwanted giftsto good use. We can use all donated gifts as prizes and raffle items for upcoming fundraisers.

Provide Us With Your FeedbackIs there something you would like to see in our monthly e-newsletter? Send an e-mail to lindsay@nsd.on.ca with yourideas.

Become a Fan on FacebookVisit our Facebook page for the latest NSD news, testimonials and pictures. Search: National Service Dogs forAutism

Health Tips for the SeasonWith the fun and excitement of summer, comes new dangers and potentialhazards to our dogs. Dogs should not be left unattended in cars or out in theyard. When traveling, make sure your windows are up enough so the dogcannot get his head out. Bad accidents happen when dogs poke their headsout of the car. Flying insects can get into the dog’s eyes, nose and mouth. Ifthese are stinging insects, a lot of pain and discomfort will follow. Dogs mayalso jump out of windows if something catches their interest. In addition, if youwere to get into an accident when your dog’s head is sticking out of the car, alife threatening incident could occur.

With all the rain, comes humidity and plenty of standing water in your yard.Make sure your dog doesn’t drink from any other water source than his waterbowl. The heat can cause bacteria to multiply very quickly and parasites suchas coccidia and giardia can be present in any receptacle that holds water.What seems like an innocent drink from a puddle can have major effects on apuppy’s stomach. Be sure to rinse and refill your dog’s water bowl regularlytoo.

If you have an NSD dog, please do not take it swimming. Please consideravoiding this with your own pet dogs too. The rivers and ponds/lakes areteeming with bacteria and parasites that have been washed in from the recentflooding. Ducks and geese that carry most of the common bacteria andparasites hang around those wetland areas and their stool is a tasty, yetpossibly deadly treat for any dog. The rule of thumb is don’t allow your pet todrink any water that you wouldn’t drink.

Swimming in pools is not recommended for future service dogs since we neverknow if the potential client will want their trained dog to go into their swimmingpool. There have been cases where trained dogs have been so obsessed withwater that the safety of the child or adult client has been put in jeopardy. If yourdog needs to cool off, a kiddie pool is all that is needed. Please make sure thewater is changed daily since eye and stomach infections are easily transmittedthrough contaminated water.

With BBQ season in full swing, make sure you supervise your dog at alltimes. Often, it’s an uneducated friend or relative that wants to feed the dogwhile believing they are giving the dog a treat. All cooked chop bones arelethal to dogs and puppies since the hard sharp points cannot be digested andcan pierce their intestines or become lodged in their throat. This inexpensivetreat may cost in excess of $2500 to fix and not all dogs will survive. Dogs andpuppies will also scavenge where uneaten food has been discarded. If you areunable to supervise your dog, leave it in its crate or another safe area so yourfamily can relax and enjoy the festivities.

Did you know that rabbit poop carries coccidia? Any dog that consumes thesedroppings is at risk. Raccoons and possums carry giardia and many otherparasites and frequent your yard at this time of year. Always supervise yourdog’s bathroom visits to ensure they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Volunteer Opportunities

If you have a couple of hours oncea week, once every two weeks oronce in a while, we can use yourhelp with:

Puppy RaisingHelp us socialize and train our

puppies-in-training by welcomingone into your home for app. 16months

Kennel Enrichment ProgramCome out to run our Advanced

Training Dogs in our leash freearea, groom and massage them

Weekend SittingHelp provide a relaxing weekend

for a dog in Advanced Training

FundraisingWork with our staff to ensure the

success of various fundraisingevents

Building MaintenanceAssist with general painting and

repairs, including buildingkennels, completing electrical

NSD Breeding & Puppy ProgramIt’s been a quiet time after the care and raising of the “S” and“T” litters.

NSD Isla delivered seven males and two females on Monday,August 5. The sire is NSD Vedo from the Brogue and Jingleslitter of 2010. Watch our Facebook page for updated photos ofthis adorable bunch!

We are currently waiting for the next “girl” from our BreedingProgram to go into season. Family planning in our case meansthat any puppies conceived now will be coming into AdvancedTraining in Spring 2015. As far away as that may sound, manyof our Puppy Raisers will testify that it comes more quickly thanyou think.

The R, S, and T litters have settled into training classes very well. We have 17puppies, so the class is often split to help with the flow of the training exercises.With all having black fur except for the two Golden Retriever “R” puppies, NSDRoobee and Ryder sure stand out from the crowd!

We are planning a couple of outings for the older puppies later in the month. It’salways good to assess the puppies on neutral turf since often they are on theirbest behaviour while in puppy class. It’s only when we see them away from classthat we can assess their true potential. We are hoping the weather stays good sowe can do a city park walk to work on instructing Puppy Raisers on dealing withwildlife and pet dog distraction.

A class in Walmart will also be beneficial since it’s a spacious training area withdistractions that some puppies can’t resist. It gives us a chance to give a fewvaluable tips to our Puppy Raisers on how to combat these everydayoccurrences.

NSD Wish ListYou can help NSD by donating items that are used in our kennels on a regular basis, such as:• Shelving Unit • Disposable vinyl gloves • Kleenex • AA Batteries• Chicken hot dogs • Large cotton balls • Green garbage bags • New/Used Collars• Kitchen garbage bags • Tooth brushes • Paper towels • Remote control cars• Large dog crate pans • Dog toothpaste (no nut flavours please)

Name Sex Breed DOB SponsorJinx M YL/GR 12/31/11 Wingham Columbus CenterJax M YL/GR 12/31/11 DeloitteKhloe F BL 2/2/12 Dianne NyeboerLynx M YL/GR 3/13/12 Sponsorship NeededLennon M YL/GR 3/13/12 Sponsorship NeededLouie M YL/GR 3/13/12 Sponsorship NeededLola F YL/GR 3/13/12 Sponsorship NeededLucy F YL/GR 3/13/12 Andy and Carol QuickIvy F YL 10/2/11 Equitable Life of CanadaMcGee M YL 04/04/12 The Pring FamilyMandy F BL 04/04/12 The Pring FamilyMango F YL 04/04/12 Sponsorship NeededMarley M YL 04/04/12 The Horst FamilyMerlin M YL 04/04/12 Sponsorship NeededMisty F BL 04/04/12 The Pring FamilyNico M BL/BM 04/09/12 Roger & Margaret MannellNellie F BL/BM 04/09/12 The Pring FamilyNemo M BL/BM 04/09/12 Rotary Club of Kitchener Grand RiverNeptune F BL/BM 04/09/12 Rotary Club of Kitchener Grand RiverNixon M BL/BM 04/09/12 Peggy Hornell & Don CluneNorman M BL/BM 04/09/12 The Pring FamilyNudge F BL/BM 04/09/12 Milk-BoneOlive F BL 7/10/12 Milk-BoneOtis M YL 7/10/12 Milk-BoneOscar M BL 7/10/12 Milk-BoneOakley M YL 7/10/12 Milk-BoneOrbit M BL 7/10/12 Milk-BonePresley M YL/GR 9/7/12 First Calgary FinancialPatchett M YL/GR 9/7/12 David Tansley & Mike PatchettPax M YL/GR 9/7/12 Gail and Trina DensmorePercy M YL/GR 9/7/12 Rick Duffy and Josh ToveyPaxton M YL/GR 9/7/12 Frank and Taylor BeletzPoppy F YL/GR 9/7/12 Heidi Bechtold and Devon CrowellQuincey M YL/GR 12/23/12 Jen Linfield PhotographyQuaid M YL/GR 12/23/12 The Feed Store in HarrowRoobee F GR 03/30/13 The Pirie Family

Legend:BL= Black Labrador BM= Bernese Mountain Dog CL= Chocolate Labrador F= Female GR= Golden RetrieverM= Male YL= Yellow Labrador

NSD Puppies-in-Training

Legend:BL= Black Labrador BM= Bernese Mountain Dog CL= Chocolate Labrador F= Female GR= Golden RetrieverM= Male YL= Yellow Labrador

Name Sex Breed DOB SponsorRyder M GR 03/30/13 Southern CruisersSadie F BL 03/31/13 Mary-AnneSarge M BL 03/31/13CooperatorsShadow M BL 03/31/13Adam SaperiaShanti F BL 03/31/13Purina Pro PlanSimba M BL 03/31/13CooperatorsSmokey F BL 03/31/13IAAPSnooker M BL 03/31/13Mary-AnneTala F BL/BM 04/11/13Petland CrowfootTango F BL/BM 04/11/13Petland CrossroadsTessa F BL/BM 04/11/13Petland Red DeerTilly F BL/BM 04/11/13Petland Grande PrairieTinkerbell F BL/BM 04/11/13Petland Prince GeorgeToadie M YL/GR 12/23/12 In Memory of Bryan CrawfordToby M BL/BM 04/11/13 The Pring FamilyTruman M BL/BM 04/11/13The Pring FamilyTucker M BL/BM 04/11/13The Pring Family

NSD Puppies-in-Training

Did You Know?All of our service dogs in training visit multiple volunteer homes before being placed with a client. At 8 weeks of age,we place each pup with a Puppy Raiser for 16 to 18 months. During this time, the dog’s routine and homeenvironment remains quite consistent; however, as the dog ages, we start introducing them to new homeenvironments and caregivers to help make the transition into their forever home easier.

When dogs are recalled into our kennel, they work hard with our professional trainers Monday to Friday for four tofive months. Each weekend, the dogs go home with Weekend Sitters. During the course of Advanced Training, eachdog generally has two different Weekend Sitters and only goes home to their original Puppy Raiser on a few selectweekends. In addition, some of the dogs that are more comfortable outside of the kennel environment, go homenightly with a volunteer who returns them each morning.

Our sitter programs, along with the support provided by volunteers in our Evening Enrichment Program, provide uswith valuable insight into each dog from various individuals. It is hard for us to determine how each dog is within thehome. Having the dogs visit various homes and experience various family situations (small kids, cats, other dogs,etc.), lets us know if there are any issues that need to be worked on before the dog is placed with a client. Whilemany volunteers handle the dogs in the Evening Enrichment Program, there is plenty of opportunity for one of themto see something that our staff has not. All of this information, when shared with an NSD staff member, is crucial tothe success of the training and placement of each dog. To all of our valued volunteers, thank you for the support andinsight you provide us with on a daily basis.

NSD AdvancedTraining

We are about two months into Advanced Training for our Fall 2013 class. Allthe dogs are quickly learning the kennel routines, getting to know the trainers,and taking some initial outings to local parks in the lovely summer weather.Keep an eye on our Facebook page to watch their adventures!

Name Sex Breed DOB SponsorHarmony M YL/GR 09/15/11 Shades of Harmony

Harris M YL/GR 9/15/11 PTC

Holly F YL/GR 12/31/11 Ainsworth Family

Ice M YL 10/2/11 Selena Sylvian & Brian O'KaneIvy F YL 10/2/11 Equitable Life of CanadaIzzy F YL 10/2/11 Julie Hughes & Angel RusselJasmine F YL/GR 12/31/11 Petland Red DeerJellybean F YL/GR 12/31/11 Marg FraserJourney M YL/GR 12/31/11 Petland SunridgeJuno F YL/GR 12/31/11 Petland Prince George

Kasper M BL 2/8/12 Sponsorship NeededKobe M BL 2/2/12 Sponsorship NeededNestle M YL/GR 3/13/12 Purina Pro-Plan

Rudy M YL/GR 12/31/11 Ainsworth Family

Official Food Sponsor: Official Treat Sponsor:

Legend:BL= Black Labrador BM= Bernese Mountain Dog CL= Chocolate LabradorF= Female GR= Golden Retriever M= Male YL= Yellow Labrador

NSD Graduate Tips &Reminders

In an effort to comply withAssistance Dogs InternationalStandards and keep our records upto date, please ensure you notify usof any changes within your family.Please let us know if you havemoved, changed e-mail addresses,got a new phone number, or if therehas been other changes (i.e.divorce, etc.)

In addition, if you have anyquestions or concerns at any time,please contact your assignedcoach right away. We are here tosupport you!

thepetpharmacy.ca provides acomprehensive, convenient andcost-effective source of veterinarymedicines, health and nutritionalsupplements, and supplies.

The Pet Pharmacy donates 2.5% ofeach OTC product sale and $1.00 fromeach prescription productto rescue organizations,animal services, andguide dog trainingfacilities. When youplace an order, select“National Service Dogs”to have the proceedsdonated to us. Visit thewebsite today!

Ask Your EmployerAbout Their Charitable Support Programs

Are you thinking of selling or trading inyour old vehicle?

Charity Car accepts donations of cars thathave reached the end of their useful lives,and disposes of them in an environmentallyfriendly way.

Furthermore, the proceeds go to a charity ofyour choice! You can donate to a charity,safely dispose of an old car, and save moneyon your tax return all at once.

Consider

as your charity of choice!

• Corporate MatchingGive your employer the chance to help doubleyour contribution by matching your donation.

• Volunteer ProgramsSome employers will make an annual donationto a charitable organization of your choicebased on the number of hours you volunteereach year.

• More InformationContact Lindsay@nsd.on.ca or 519-623-4188,ext. 10 for support in approaching yourcompany about these opportunities.

Search: National Service Dogs for Autism

Visit our Facebook page for the latest NSD news,testimonials and pictures!

Visit

and support National Service DogsBecome a Fan on

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Why not donate it instead?

Paws

Call to Purchase Ad Space Today!

519-623-4188, ext. 10•YELLOW, BLACK, AND

CHOCOLATE LABRADORSAVAILABLE!•

Brodie’s (NSD Ambassador)generous grandmother hasdonated a number of handsculpted and painted Labradors tohelp raise funds for our CertifiedService Dogs for Autism Program.

100% of the money raised will godirectly towards providing servicedogs to children with autism.Purchase one for yourself or as agift to help a family in need!

PURCHASE A HAND-CRAFTEDDOG TODAY!

DRESS

DOWN

DAYS

Why not approach your employer about having

the proceeds from your next dress down day go

to NSD to name & sponsor a puppy? Contact

lindsay@nsd.on.ca for more information.

To sponsor a NSD Puppy

forAUTISM program

Paws for Autism is a fundraising program designedby National Service Dogs to help raise awarenessof autism, Certified Service Dogs, and NSD.

How Does It Work?Paper paws are sold for $2 each

The money raised can then be allocatedto a local child or to help sponsor a puppy.

Sell and display these paws at yourschool, retail store, day care, church, oranywhere else you choose!

For more information, contact Lindsay Havlin at519-623-4188, ext 10, or online atlindsay@nsd.on.ca.

To Purchase:Phone: 519-623-4188, ext. 10E-mail: Lindsay@nsd.on.ca

“Since 2003, National Service Dogs (NSD) has been proud to be part of the Nestle Purinafamily. Over the years, Purina Pro Plan has fed four generations of Service Dogs forAutism. At any given time, NSD has 100 dogs going through the Service Dog Programand they are all maintained on Pro Plan Diets.” Danielle Forbes, Executive Director, NSD

“We have found that the incidence of growth related problems while using Pro PlanLarge Breed Puppy have been minimal. In the past three years, we haven’t had anyhealth problems related to accelerated growth from diet. I can testify that this has notbeen the case when I have used other brands of food in previous puppy programs.”Garry Stephenson, Breeding/Puppy Program Manager