My name is Kathy Miller and I am the owner/trainer of Gus. I am 48 years old, have Multiple Sclerosis and Gus is my Service Dog.

Gus will be 3 years old in June 2009.  He comes from Logan Hill Farm in Gustavus Ohio (thus the name Gus).  His breeder (Gwen), knew he was special/different from the rest of his litter soon after his birth.  I have to agree.  I have worked with many dogs over the years, but none as smart or willing to learn as Gus.  I have done his Service Dog training myself, instead of being on a list through one of the agencies that places Service Dogs, which can take up to 5 years. There are so many people that need a Service Dog, and too few to go around.  

I taught him basic obedience at home and then took him to Youngstown Allbreeds for the Obedience 1 & 2, and Attention classes for some socialization.  He graduated from those classes and then earned his CGC.

I then took Gus to take his Public Access Test. A dog must pass this test to be used as a Service Dog. Although, Gus does not need anything else to be with me in public, he has also taken and passed the Therapy Dog test.

Gus is also a member of our local branch of the American Red Cross, with a paw print on his application as his signature.  He is my partner at work in Disaster Services and Services to the Armed Forces.  We have started a group in our chapter called C.A.T. which stands for Canine Action Team.  Our human Disaster Team is called D.A.T. which stands for Disaster Action Team.  Gus accompanies us to the Military Base locally where he works his magic on our Troops and their families.  He also goes on Disaster calls such as house fires, and floods.  Dogs can do wonderful things for the spirits of people who are facing some of the worst times of their lives. 

I work with Gus almost every day, giving him days off and lots of time to play and be a happy dog of course.  Some days it is very difficult for me, I might be very tired or be having a day where I am off balance all the time, falling down, etc., but Gus is very forgiving, and does what he is supposed to even if I mess up. Gus is loved by everyone he meets. His manners are impeccable, he is a true gentleman.   I am also on a few online training lists, where professional service dog trainers guide me along the way with suggestions and help.  There are even step by step videos to teach each task he needs to learn. 

Gus is very eager to work and to learn.  Some of the things that Gus can do for me are; get the phone, help me up from a fall, go for help, turn on lights, carry bags, pick up anything I drop (even as small as a dime), steady me as I walk with the harness he wears, help me get my clothes off, pick up things I point to with a laser pointer, etc.  There are so many things he is happy to do for me.  Every time I write all of this down, I am able to see the accomplishments he has made in his short time with me.  I am very proud of him.

Thank you Gwen, for giving me my best friend and partner in life.

Kathy & Gus