Who's a Good Dog? Meet Citadel Canines at Harmony Centre
Each month, Lorraine writes about the people and the community groups that make Harmony Centre the remarkable facility it is today.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION
by Lorraine Campbell for Harmony Centre
On Wednesday mornings, a unique team meets at the Harmony Centre. Earlier this month, I waited in the lobby to meet them. Shortly after I arrived, Hugo walked in, a bundle of controlled energy, eyes focused on Scott.
I made the obvious mistake of stepping forward and offering my hand to Hugo. I had forgotten to ask Hugo’s handler for permission to approach the service dog.
Hugo is in training with Scott, under the experienced guidance of Kim Robertson. The three of them belong to the Citadel Therapy Canine Society, whose purpose is to support and enhance the lives of veterans and first responders (police officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, nurses, EMTs, and correctional personnel) who experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Operational Stress Injury (OSI) resulting from workplace events.
They do this by providing trained service dogs or providing training support for the handler’s own dog.
These trained dogs have a profound effect on their handlers, offering a therapeutic lifeline as well as close companionship, to help their handlers face daily challenges.
Patience and Commitment
Kim was an established dog trainer when she was approached by Citadel Canines to train for them. She has been the trainer in the Owen Sound area since 2016, with a break from 2022 until this spring, and has volunteered her time and training expertise to help more than 10 teams graduate over that period.
Kim usually trains the handler/dog team on a one-on-one basis (although she has had up to five handler/dog teams at one time), and the training can take as little as six months or “as long as it takes.” Kim explained that her biggest strength lies in her patience and commitment to helping each team be successful.
Success is measured by the small steps of showing up, repeating lessons, and taking the bigger steps of having the courage and persistence to become a cohesive team, regardless of how long the process ultimately takes.
I asked her where the dogs came from. She told me that some handlers have family dogs that they would like to use, some are donated, and some come from shelters. Dogs of any breed and size are scrutinized and tested for their stability, trainability, calmness, self-control, and desire to please. Not all dogs are suited for the tasks they are required to perform.
And where do the people come from? There is a waiting list, as Kim’s catchment area extends from Toronto to Barrie to Sauble Beach.
Low Overhead, High Returns
Citadel Canines is a nationwide organization run by volunteers. There are no contract workers or employees, although on occasion, administrative and social media personnel are hired for short-term assistance.
Donations from individuals, charitable foundations, and veteran support groups cover these expenses, as well as veterinary charges, rescue or adoption fees (if an animal is purchased from a shelter), dog gear (such as training vests and crates), and travel costs associated with moving dogs in training.
To inquire about applying to receive a service dog or to make a donation, go to www.citadelcanine.com or send an email to Legacy@citadelcanine.com.