LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS
Clark, the primary full-time service canine in Clinton County’s Specialty Court Programs, demonstrates his finest trick — giving a excessive 5 to his handler, Ed Hosler, deputy chief probation officer.
LOCK HAVEN — National Ok-9 Veterans Day is a day to acknowledge the service of working dogs, whether or not it’s within the army, legislation enforcement, serving to individuals with disabilities and assist animals for these with psychological well being points.
Clinton County is lucky to have a service facility canine named Clark, however he had fairly a protracted journey to get right here.
Clark spent the primary two years of his life with Olivia Dalby and Sofia Lynn, whereas they attended Penn State University. Roar for More is a partnership between Penn State University and Susquehanna Service Dogs that provides Penn State college students the chance to coach a possible service canine by a wide range of experiences. The aim of Roar for More is for puppies to be well-trained and well-socialized in order that they’ll then change into service dogs for individuals with totally different wants.
“What Susquehanna Service Dogs does is one of the most amazing things, and being a part of Penn State Roar for More was so rewarding. It really exposes the dog at a young age to different scenarios and things that they might not get to experience otherwise,” Dalby stated.
Part of Keystone Human Services, Susquehanna Service Dogs breeds, raises, trains and locations help dogs, listening to dogs and facility dogs. The nonprofit matches individuals and dogs, and follows every crew for the working lifetime of the canine and thru the canine’s retirement.
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One of Clark’s every day duties is retrieving The Express on the workplace.
Judge Michael Salisbury, who presides over Clinton County’s Specialty Court Programs, first considered the thought to get a service facility canine whereas attending the Pennsylvania Association of Treatment Court Professionals Conference eight years in the past.
While there, he met SSD Buster from York County and SSD Hamlet from Lancaster and realized the advantages {that a} service facility canine would have on his courtroom and the individuals in Clinton County.
After getting approval from the Clinton County Commissioners, Ed Hosler, deputy chief probation officer, accomplished the required coaching to change into a service canine handler. Meanwhile, Clark spent six months on the Susquehanna Service Dogs facility in Grantville, Pa., getting superior coaching. When the time got here to see which canine Hosler would make the very best crew with, he needed to meet with six totally different dogs to see how he acted with every of them and the way they reacted to him.
Hosler arrived to choose up his service facility canine, not figuring out which canine he was going to get, and there was Clark ready along with his household, Olivia and Sofia, in addition to Olivia’s mother and father, Sam and Ann, and sister, Allison. Hosler and Olivia each recalled what an emotional day it was for everybody concerned.
“You hope that they go on and do great things, but you do get attached,” Olivia stated.
LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS
Clark, the primary full-time service canine in Clinton County’s Specialty Court Programs, poses beside his handler, Ed Hosler, deputy chief probation officer.
The choice of whether or not or to not keep involved with the foster household is as much as the individual handler, however Hosler stated that he knew at that second he needed to proceed a relationship with the Dalby household and maintain them in Clark’s life.
Clark goes to go to the Dalby household a couple of times a yr, and he has even visited Olivia in New York City. During his go to this previous Thanksgiving, Olivia stated they tried to make it particular for him and do his favourite issues, which included taking part in outdoors, going to the pet retailer, operating errands and even a visit to a Christmas tree farm. They additionally ship a care package deal to Clark for his birthday and Christmas.
“I don’t think we’ve missed a birthday,” Olivia stated with a chuckle.
Hosler even created an Instagram account for Clark as a manner for the Dalby household and the complete group to remain related to Clark. You can comply with Clark at @ssd.clark.
Clark goes to work with Hosler each day, whether or not he’s within the workplace or within the courtroom. In reality, Clark has his personal platform within the courtroom the place he’s a relaxing presence to the individuals of the Specialty Court Programs.
Hosler understands that, as a result of nature of his job, the Treatment Court individuals aren’t at all times joyful to see him. But Clark helps to vary individuals’s moods and diffuse the stress.
Clark is aware of basic cues for ‘sit,’ ‘stay’ and ‘down,’ in addition to extra superior cues for ‘station,’ ‘high five’ and a brand new command for ‘bow.’ When he hears the ‘pressure’ cue, he lays on the person’s lap, which is useful to youngsters who’re nervous and scared.
Clark can be a supply of stress reduction for the probation officers. Hosler stated that it’s widespread to see one in all his employees members laying on the ground with Clark.
Clark has the flexibility to be taught specialised cues for distinctive conditions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Judge Salisbury and the individuals needed to observe social distancing, Hosler taught Clark a brand new command for ‘goodie bag,’ during which Clark would get the goodie bag from Judge Salisbury and ship it to the participant.
All of Clark’s instructions will also be conveyed to him in signal language, which Hosler emphasised is necessary when they’re within the courtroom. Being quiet shouldn’t be a difficulty for Clark. Hosler fondly remembered an occasion when Clark was too quiet. He had been out of his workplace for quarter-hour and returned to search out his employees panicking, as a result of they may not discover Clark. They searched the ground, figuring out that Clark couldn’t get by the locked doorways, and ultimately discovered him sitting within the elevator, ready patiently to be discovered.
Clark’s proudest achievement is being the primary full-time service canine in Clinton County’s Specialty Court Programs. His function is so very important that if Hosler exhibits up on the courthouse with out Clark, Judge Salisbury makes him return to the workplace and get him.
“I couldn’t imagine the courtroom without him. Clark is a calming presence in the courtroom, not only for the program participants, but also for me. The therapeutic effect Clark has on the participants, many of whom suffer from a traumatic experience, is amazing. The physical contact and Clark’s understanding of their discomfort is a miracle everyone should witness. The Specialty Courts are blessed to have him,” Judge Salisbury stated.
Last yr, Hosler and Clark had been visitor audio system on the Pennsylvania Association of Treatment Court Professionals Conference, which Hosler referred to as a “full circle moment.”
In the three years that Clark has been a service facility canine, he has made a optimistic influence on the group and could be seen at native occasions, reminiscent of Easter egg hunts, Rally for Recovery, Clinton County Night Out and Reading Under the Lights.
Hosler stated that Clark loves to go to with members of the group, however please ask earlier than petting him.
Just like individuals, Clark generally wants a break, too. When he will get home and Hosler takes his vest off, he is rather like an everyday canine. He likes to take walks and play fetch, however after about 5 instances, he’s accomplished and must relaxation up earlier than going again to work the following day. He will work for so long as he can and can retire when he’s prepared.
Hosler disclosed that Clark even has a retirement package deal, however he doesn’t present any indicators of slowing down anytime quickly.
Hosler acknowledged that the Sons of Italy is a big benefactor to Clinton County’s Specialty Court Programs and funds incentives for the packages.
“Without them and their support, our program wouldn’t work,” he stated.
Hosler additionally pressured that the individuals of Clinton County have Olivia and Sofia to thank for giving them the reward of Clark.
As for Olivia, she stated that seeing the bond between Hosler and Clark has made the complete expertise price it and she or he is grateful to Susquehanna Service Dogs for the chance to see Clark develop and alter lives.
“I would do it all over again,” she stated.
