C.O.P.E a learning experience for dogs, students
by Michelle Minnoch

Grade 9 student Branden has been working with Angel all year. photo by Michelle Minnoch

Ten grade 9 and 10 students of Nantyr Shores showed friends and family how hard their work has paid off Thursday afternoon. The students, who have been working with C.O.P.E (Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment) dogs since September, graduated their puppies to the next level.

"Over the entire year, I watched an amazing bond between these young people and their young puppies," said teacher Terri Ann Gaynik.

C.O.P.E dogs are specially trained dogs that are matched with people with mobile disabilities. The dogs aid their owners by retrieving objects, turning on the lights, and providing balance. The students at Nantyr received a credit for the course, working with the dogs three times a week.

"This is a fantastic time for me," said C.O.P.E founder and executive director, Jane Boake. She brought the program to Nantyr this year and hopes funding will be available to return to the school next year.

Grade nine student Branden said he enjoyed working with Golden Retriever Angel for the past year. He has taught Angel to walk beside him, turn on the light, and retrieve objects and bring them to his lap. He also taught his furry friend to kiss him on the cheek as well.

"It was a fun and great experience," he said.

Founded by Boake in 2000, C.O.P.E has graduated several dogs from their Service Dog Placement Program and High School Assistance Dog Program. Once the high school program has been completed, the dogs are further trained in the LEAD (Leader Education Assistance Dog) program. The dogs continue practicing what they have learned so eventually they can perform tasks in any situation and environment. The LEAD program has the dogs assisting young readers in elementary school - the students read stories and math problems to their canine buddies, and the dogs eventually participate in day trips to hospitals and seniors homes before placement. After the two years of training is up, the dogs become reliable companions to those who need their assistance.

For more information about C.O.P.E, you can go to their website, www.copedogs.org.