WYATT removed from Service

WYATT Removed from Service

Terry Henry, The paws4vetsTM Advocate

Bruceton Mills, WV

3/6/10


Psychiatric Service Dog, WYATT, was removed from Service Dog Team Member Brandon G. on Saturday, March 6th, 2010.

WYATT was placed with Brandon G. at the paws4peopleTM November 2009 Graduation Ceremony, conducted at U.S. Penitentiary–Hazelton, Bruceton Mills, WV. Listed below are incidents that have occurred since graduation which have resulted in WYATT’s removal from the Team Member’s custody:

o Failure to provide proper veterinary care (e.g., no preventative medications have been administered since November (i.e., heartworm preventative and flea and tick preventative), vaccinations have expired (including rabies vaccination), overdue for annual check-up (e.g., heartworm check, leptospirosis check, fecal exam, etc.)
o Inadequate utilization of WYATT, subsequently leading to increased time that WYATT spends in his kennel
o Refusal to follow program requirements (e.g., blogging weekly after placement)
o Failure to complete required Public Access Training for Public Access Certification

WYATT’s next assignment is currently undetermined. When I make my decision regarding WYATT’s final placement, it will be made in the best interest of WYATT and paws4peopleTM / paws4vetsTM.

The safety and care of our dogs is of utmost importance to us. Although taking action to remove a dog from the custody of a Service Dog Team Member is extremely difficult and challenging, the necessary action must be taken when the dog’s well-being is in question.

I sincerely hope that this experience and its lessons will prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future.