Comments for Al Brittain

Comment on Military Working Dog Makes Historic Tandem Parachute Jump by cassie smith

cassie smith — Sat, 07 May 2011 02:42:25 +0000

This is my big brother, one of the best men out there, has done an amazing job protecting our country and making his mark in the world, I am proud to say he is my big brother!
Love you Chris,
Your little sis,
Cass

Comment on Canine Companions For Independence Benefactor Dean Koontz Interviewed by Animal Rights Activism Would Harm Disabled Veterans » Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:28:44 +0000

[...] to ignore squirrels)–and two happier canines could not be imagined. (He and his wife Gerda have given millions to Canine Companions for Independence, a service dog training school.) PETA can go fly a [...]

Comment on PETA Is Against Service Dogs – Period by Barbara Godding

Barbara Godding — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:53:42 +0000

I think Peta should mind their own business

Comment on How About Something Fun For A Change? by Mimi & Cabana

Mimi & Cabana — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:28:59 +0000

Hi Al, thanks for the awesome shout out! I love that photo of Cabana, too–you can just feel the happiness coming out of her. All the best to you!

Comment on Who Really Got Screwed by Al

Al — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:52:12 +0000

UPDATE 2/22/11: CCI has now posted an official statement regarding this matter. Speaks for itself, no comment needed from me, and comments are now closed on this post as well.

"Update Regarding Return of Dog"

Comment on Who Really Got Screwed by david

david — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:05:31 +0000

Thank you so much for writing this. My son has a CCI dog and we all know that CCI retains ownership of the dog. That is made clear in the agreement we sign before we receive the dog. CCI is an incredible organizarion and words cannot express the appreciation for all they do and to all the volunteers who make it happen. My son is a changed person because of his CCI dog. Having said that, I do hope CCI and the person in question find a way to resolve the issue. However, runnning a negative PR campaign is not the way I would go about it. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for all you do.

Comment on Tough Questions You Need To Ask About Every Service Dog Organization by Jennifer Boyle

Jennifer Boyle — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:48:10 +0000

I cannot possibly agree more with every single point you raise. There are not enough organizations with a thorough evaluation process for applicant screening. While going through an exhaustive screening process may a) take more time b) require a lot more resources c) reduce the number of placements that can be made per year, none of these things are worth sacrificing in the name of “doing a great thing for someone who needs help”. I believe that it is our responsibility as service dog providers to develop a relationship with the mental health councellors who have been working with the Veteran to establish a Veteran’s preparedness for service dog ownership and, moreover, ensuring the the Veteran is actively a part of improving their mental health whether by enrollment with VA programming (if retired) or by getting and staying affiliated with the Wounded Warrior programs in place for active military personnel. These are the people who know the candidate well and speak with them regarding their most personal issues on a regular basis. How can a 4 page application possibly tell you whether the veteran is ready for ownership, in stable mental health, is pursuing a dog for the right reasons and with reasonable expectations, and will respect the dog as a partner in life? You can’t.

There is nothing harder than making the decision to withhold acceptance into a Service Dog program but with a little creativity and time, you can provide an applicant with information which will engage them in the process so that they may be successful in the future (ie: We are electing not to pursue your application at this time for the following reasons… here is what we believe would be helpful in strengthening your candidacy… we hope to hear from you if and when these challenges have been addressed!)

Successful programs require an incredible amount of resources, dedication, commitment ot the mission (first and foremost), and the ability to maintain a fine balance between compassion and over-investment.

We all want to make a positive impact and give something of ourselves – but owe it to our programs to make the RIGHT choices for the integrity of the program.

Comment on Just A Preview Of Things To Come With The New ADA Service Animal Revisions by Linzey

Linzey — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:31:15 +0000

Oh boy do I agree with so many of the topics you touched on! Mainly the SD issues that may or will be the result! And like your friend that had a dog lunge at their CCI pup in training, I too am quite appalled by some of the service dogs behavior out in society!

Comment on Who Really Got Screwed by Linzey

Linzey — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:24:06 +0000

Glad we can agree on that! And praying for a great outcome for everyone involved!

Comment on Who Really Got Screwed by Al

Al — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:12:06 +0000

Linzey, as I've said several times, it's hard to believe that the leash is the issue here, things don't add up as described at this point, and I'd like to hear CCI's detailed explanation, too.