Canine Companions for Independence — a national non-profit organization that adults with disabilities — announced that New Canaan child psychologist Dr. Nancie Spector, has recently received a Canine Companions facility dog.

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Dr. Spector was matched with Robert, a two-year-old Labrador/golden retriever cross who has been trained to respond to over 50 commands. Robert can turn light switches on and off, open and close doors and retrieve dropped objects. However, one of his most important jobs will be to assist Dr. Spector as she treats children with autism and other psychological disorders. Robert is a calming influence on these children and their families, and is also used as reward for patients after completing their sessions.

 

Dr. Spector and Robert returned to New Canaan after completing Canine Companions recent team training class, an intense, two-week course held at Canine Companion’s northeast regional center in Medford, N.Y. – one of five such centers nationwide. The Northeast Regional Center serves a 13-state area from Maine to Virginia.

 

Dr. Spector and Robert are settling into a routine back in New Canaan. She said, “Robert is a very special dog and I hope to have many wonderful years with him.”

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For more information about Canine Companions for Independence, contact the Northeast Regional Center at 800-572- BARK or go to cci.org.

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