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We thought for a longer period of time about how to engage with our dogs for a social or charitable organization. The Collie is very suited to work as a Therapy, Guide, Service or Assistance Dog. First we thought about training one of our own collies for that purpose, but soon we realized, that we can't manage it, due to lack of time. So we decided to donate a promising, self-confident pup to a non-profit organization, who trains Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs and donates them afterwards to mentally or physically disabled persons.
The Kynos-Foundation trains Assistance Dogs, Guide Dogs and Signal Dogs in Germany. We contacted them and one of their trainers tested the first litter of Smooth Collies, we had, in September 2008. The Kynos-Foundation prefers Smooth Collies, because their coat is easier to groom for disabled persons.
These are the requirements specifications for a prospective Assistance Dog:
· steady character
· people friendly
· fearless
· not hyperactive
· non-aggressive
· low hunting instict
· ability to concentrate for a longer time
· not easy to dristract
· a strong "will-to-please"
· self-confident and tolerant with childeren and other animals
· attentive to the human voice
· very well socialised to people, dogs and new situations
· a sensible initiative of one's own
· not too dominant
· ability to change home and owner without stress
· not oversensitive
· no hereditary diseases
They picked out "Lavender", a huge and strong sable merle male pup:
The trainer tested him with the Campbell Puppy Test. He certified Lavender a very good character, well socialised and open-hearted ot every new situation. It was also very important, that Lavender is not affected with MDR1, GCS or CEA. The training of an Assistance Dog is very expensive and it must be sure, that the dog is healthy, so that it can work a long time in it's "job".
Lavender was picked up by the Kynos-Foundation when he was four months old. He now lives with a patent family, who will raise him up and teach him the first lessons. When he is one year old, his hips will be examined and he will live for a few weeks in a Therapy Dog Center, where he gets his main training to become an Assistance Dog, or Guiding Dog, depending on what he seems to be suitable for.
Here are the first pics of Lavender (now called "NEMO", because it is easy for spastic people to pronounce the name) at his patent family, with his new friend "Pan":
We hope, that our report (and the following ones) will encourage other breeders, to donate a pup, too. Nemo's story will gain an insight into the work of the Kynos-Foundation and people are welcome to ask for more information or support the foundation.
We will visit Lavender at his patent family in summer, watch our for news!
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Collie Health 
