University of Pittsburgh Highlights Somerset Puppy Program

Kathleen Smith Bell, a volunteer for Canine Partners for Life's and the SCI Somerset Prison Puppy Program, and Ella, a 13-month old Labrador retriever service dog were hosted by the University of Pittsburgh's Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law and Public Policy. Inmates at SCI Somerset raise puppies through their initial training stage until they are ready for more advanced training as service dogs to assist adults and children with a variety of medical and emotional conditions, including seizure, cardiac and diabetic conditions.

This lecture included:

• the mission of Canine Partners for Life and the Somerset Prison Puppy Program;
• the many ways service dogs assist children and adults with disabilities;
• information on how service dogs are bred, raised, and trained;
• information on how service dogs are matched with their partner;
• examples of the spectrum of disabilities these canines serve;
• the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog; and
• information on how the general public should react when in the company of a service dog.

This lecture was sponsored by The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy. Co-sponsored by Pitt Law, the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Office of Disability Resources and Services, PittHonors, and assistance from The Office of the Chancellor.