Pup named after Patty is training as a Canine Companions service dog!
A four-and-a-half-month-old puppy named Spitler is beginning his journey to become a service dog — and he carries a special honor. He’s named after Patty Spitler, host of Pet Pals TV, in recognition of her years of support for Canine Companions.
The puppy made his television debut during Thursday’s Pet Pals TV segment, where trainers Brandt Carter and Pam Dallas from Canine Companions introduced the future service dog and explained how people can get involved with the nonprofit.
“Spitler is well named because Patty has done so much for us throughout the years,” Carter said. “One way to honor our people who have volunteered in other ways is to name them. A donor names them and suggests the name, and then a puppy is given a blessing name — and he is now Spitler number one.”
“I keep him until he’s about 17 months old, and then I turn him in and they do professional training for six months to learn all the specific commands that could be used based on what they feel his role could be,” Dallas said.
Dogs can be matched for a range of roles depending on their skills and temperament — mobility assistance, hearing support, veterans’ assistance or facility dogs that serve multiple people in institutional settings.
Dallas has raised 33 Canine Companions dogs throughout her volunteer career with the organization, which is based in Columbus, Ohio, and serves the North Central region, including Indiana.
All dogs and services are provided completely free to recipients; including hotel accommodations during training sessions.
“All these dogs are given for free. That’s what is so amazing,” Dallas said. “Even the hotel room at our center is free when they go to training for a week or two weeks.”
The organization offers numerous ways for people to contribute. Volunteers can become puppy raisers, speakers, training class helpers or solo community volunteers. Some donate funds to sponsor puppies from birth.
Those interested in volunteering, donating or learning more can visit canine.org. Businesses can also make tax-deductible contributions to support the mission. “A lot of businesses donate as a business. It’s a tax write-off and the whole thing,” Dallas said.
Pet Pals TV, featuring host Patty Spitler, airs every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WISH-TV. More information is available at PetPalsTV.com.
As for young Spitler, he’s still very much a puppy — curious, energetic and adjusting to life in the public eye. But Carter is confident he has what it takes.
“He’s doing really good for his first time out in public, on TV and stuff,” Carter said.
With 17 months of training ahead of him, Spitler will carry Patty’s name as he prepares to change someone’s life.
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