Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 8/12
“It Takes A Village”
Like it or not, Facebook has become one of the most popular social networking tools to bring together people of like interests, including those with a passion for our breed. On a recent visit to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Owner’s page I was introduced to the only Wheaten service dog that I am aware of. Mollie (Juenel’s Golden Girl) is from the Stevelyn Line and has many champions in her pedigree including Stevelyn Blue Suede Shoes Of Kariskiye. Support Dogs visited and worked with her breeder to select the puppy with the best aptitude. After testing and evaluating the puppies eight week, old Mollie came out on top.
Her owner, Patricia Williams originally had a Goldren Retriever as a Support Dog but chose the unlikely Wheaten Terrier for many reasons: “I was eager to have a different breed. Wheatens are not seen very oftenseenhere but I had seen one at some point and thought they seemed lovely dogs. The size was just rightnot too big to be in the way when in shops or restaurants butstill able to do the tasks that are asked of her. A good Support Dog needs to be as enthusiastic about walking at the side of a super market trolley while doing the weekly shop. They need to want to be with you doing whatever you are doing every minute of the day.”
Mollie who is almost five now, is a registered Assistance Dog and has been trained by Support Dogs a registered charity and member of assistant dogs u.k. (including guide dogs for the blind). Mollie blossomed with positive reinforcement training helping Williams, who has Multiple Sclerosis, with every day tasks which can often be challenging including filling and emptying the washing machine, bringing dropped and named items and providing confidence. She is her constant companion and was recently a representative for Support Dogs at Crufts, where she was both a curiosity and a delight, and for Wheaten Day there.
“Mollie is perfect for me, I don't know if all Wheatens would make good Support Dogs, but I do know that after a lot of work and training Mollie certainly makes the grade.Wheatens make every situation good fun, shopping, jobs around the house, or being a blanket for 'mum' on a bad day - what more could you ask for!” Thanks to a supportive breeder and a dedicated organization, Mollie is a true blessing for her owner.
Nominations are now being accepted for The Wheaten Ambassador Award to be presented at Montgomery weekend for the Wheaten with outstanding community service. Deadline September 1, 2012. FMI please contact the writer.
Dorice Stancher
201.323.25