volunteered and received eightweek-old Anthem. Her job was to socialize Anthem and teach him several commands. The lab / golden mix learned more commands through specialized trainers at the Kinkeade Campus.
As Trista’ s role was winding down, Anthem and Tate were paired through a matching process at Kinkeade Campus. It was puppy love at first sight.“ Anthem came up to me and immediately started licking my face,” said Tate, who at the time had a short beard.“ He just kept giving me kisses.”
The Landins’ home is in Granbury, Texas, but they stayed at the Kinkeade Campus dorms for two weeks while trainers taught Tate how to work with Anthem. All of this led to graduation day, where Tate and Anthem officially graduated from the program— and
Trista tearfully said goodbye to the puppy she had raised.
“ It was definitely hard, but now Anthem needs to go on and do what he was born to do,” Trista said.
Kinkeade Campus training specialists are currently reviewing applications from more veterans like Tate who could benefit from an assistance dog like Anthem.
The Kinkeade Campus doesn’ t just serve veterans; three types of assistance dogs are trained to master more than 40 specialized commands for people living with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities. Service Dogs assist adults with physical disabilities by performing everyday functions like turning on lights, picking up dropped keys or opening a door; Skilled Companion Dogs enhance independence for children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities; and Facility Dogs work with a professional in visitation, education, criminal justice or health care setting.
For more information on the Canine Companions for Independence at Baylor Scott & White Health- Kinkeade Campus, contact Sarah Burdi at 214.820.4721 or Sarah. Burdi @ BSWHealth. org.
“ These remarkable dogs not only promote physical independence, but they also provide an undeniable therapeutic effect on these proud, brave men and women.”
— Aaron Kozmetsky
Jessica and Tate Landin with Anthem
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