In a few years another wonderful superhero will have entered the workforce.
However, this is no average hero. With four paws, a wagging tail and a heart of gold, Jellybean, the service puppy in training, could end up being someone’s lifeline.
Carolyn Macaulay and her husband took in Jellybean April 15 and not even a week later they were astounded by her intelligence and exuberance.
Jellybean is a Dogs with Wings puppy. Dogs with Wings is a program that trains assistance dogs for the blind, autistic, those with limited mobility and other disabilities.
The program has its own breeding program “so they know they’re going to have a good temperament,” explained Macaulay.
Macaulay, who is a dog trainer, had a friend in puppy raising and she saw a segment on Global News talking about the program. “They were asking if people would like to puppy raise.”
Jellybean will train with her new family in Ponoka for a year before returning to Edmonton for the next stage in her training.
Right now she’s working on mastering house training and she’ll attend classes in Red Deer once per week.
Eventually Jellybean will make her entrance into the community as a service dog in training.
She’ll learn to ride transit systems, behave in theatres and restaurants, and master the elevator. “Once she’s placed with a person she’ll go everywhere with that person,” said Macaulay.
When Jellybean is out training she’ll be wearing her official Dog with Wings coat. The coat means she can’t be touched or petted because she’s working.
Macaulay knows Jellybean is a major yearlong commitment. She can never be alone and if there was ever a time Macaulay or her husband couldn’t be with her Jellybean would be placed in a designated boarding home. “She never ever gets kenneled.”
Despite the commitment, Macaulay knew Jellybean was something she wanted. For more than 25 years Macaulay has owned dogs.
After her own pet died last summer she knew the organization and the volunteer position was good for her.
Jellybean has been with her new family for only a short while but already Macaulay is attached to the amazing puppy. “Her enthusiasm and intelligence and friendliness, she loves everybody.”
“There’s always tears at the end of the year . . . but you know she’s going to help somebody,” she added.
At the end of Jellybean’s two-year training Macaulay and her husband are invited to the graduation, and she says that helps with missing the dog.
Although it’s too early to say for sure, Macaulay may take another Dogs with Wings puppy after Jellybean. “I like dogs and I like training dogs. It’s nice to do something to help other people.