Nito Meets Chloe! The Tale of an Assistance Dog of the West

Nito, an 'assistance dog' and a member of Assistance Dogs of the West, has a new assignment. He has just been matched up with Chloe, a little girl in a wheelchair and is looking forward to this new experience. He soon learns how his training helps Chloe at home and school and he becomes an important and loving member of Chloe's family in no time at all. For people with disabilities, assistance dogs make a huge difference both physically and emotionally. Since 1995, over 100 Assistance Dogs of the West dogs have been placed, promoting greater independence and self reliance, and offering unconditional love and companionship. These remarkable dogs function as bridges for people with physical and psychiatric disabilities--starting conversations that help to educate the general public. Helping to raise, care for and train assistance dogs through Assistance Dogs of the West educational programs provide mainstream and at-risk elementary, middle, high school and juvenile detention center students as well as youth and adults with developmental disabilities a unique opportunity for learning and growth. All student dog trainers gain knowledge, build responsibility and compassionate awareness of people with different abilities, and make concrete contributions to their community. For more information about Assistance Dogs of the West, please call (505) 986-9748.