Facility Service Dog Program
The Story of Rosie, Ivy, Ace, Marshall & Elvis
Rosie, an eleven-year-old golden retriever, came to the Children’s Home on loan during the spring of 2011. She made history by accompanying a 15-year-old child witness while they gave testimony in Dutchess County Criminal Court. The presence of a specially trained dog who could provide comfort and prevent further traumatization of a child witness had never before been permitted in the history of NYS Courts. Rosie enabled this young girl to testify, which she otherwise would not have been able to do without risking further psychological harm. After the trial, Rosie returned to her owners/trainers, Dale and Lu Picard of East Coast Assistance Dogs (ECAD) and retirement. However, Rosie’s several weeks at the Home had made a huge impact, not just to help the young girl give her testimony, but for all the residents at the Home…
Facility Service Dog Program
The Story of Rosie, Ivy, Ace, Marshall & Elvis
Rosie, an eleven-year-old golden retriever, came to the Children’s Home on loan during the spring of 2011. She made history by accompanying a 15-year-old child witness while they gave testimony in Dutchess County Criminal Court. The presence of a specially trained dog who could provide comfort and prevent further traumatization of a child witness had never before been permitted in the history of NYS Courts. Rosie enabled this young girl to testify, which she otherwise would not have been able to do without risking further psychological harm. After the trial, Rosie returned to her owners/trainers, Dale and Lu Picard of East Coast Assistance Dogs (ECAD) and retirement. However, Rosie’s several weeks at the Home had made a huge impact, not just to help the young girl give her testimony, but for all the residents at the Home…
Support our Facility Service Dogs
Ivy’s Fund
Ivy’s Fund was established to cover the expenses of the Children’s Home Facility Service Dog program. In early 2013, Ivy had to retire due to serious health issues, and shortly thereafter she passed away. That June, we welcomed Ace, another golden retriever, as the new specially trained Facility Service Dog for the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. In April 2016, Ace’s half-brother, Marshall, joined the team. In June 2018, we welcomed Elvis, a black lab, to the Home. Ace, Marshall and Elvis have proven to be as adept at comforting youngsters and helping them talk about their traumas as were Rosie and Ivy. (Ace is the grandson of Rosie and nephew of Ivy.)
Ace, Marshall and Elvis received over 2,000 hours of training in the first two years of life to prepare them for work at the Children’s Home. They will continue to help our children heal for many years to come. Your contribution to Ivy’s Fund helps us pay the cost of board, care and the continuous training they must receive. All of Ace, Marshall and Elvis’s costs must be covered by private gifts. Thus, your donation makes it possible for this very successful program to continue, and for our children to heal.
Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated and will go toward continuing the Facility Service Dog Program at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. Thank you so much for your support.
