Javier Robles and Delbert An Edison resident recently found his new best friend. Javier Robles received his third Canine Companion Assistance Dog from Canine Companions for Independence, a national nonprofit that provides assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities.
Delbert, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, was deemed a match for Robles. The diligent dog has been trained to respond to more than 50 commands.
“Delbert is a very special dog, and I hope to have many wonderful years with him,” Robles said.
Robles’ first assistance dog from Canine Companions passed away in 1999 after eight years of service to him. Janus, his second dog, died in 2014.
While their losses were significant for Robles, Delbert is helping to fill the void. He can turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and retrieve dropped objects. One of his most important jobs, however, is providing constant companionship for Robles.
The pair recently returned to Edison after completing Canine Companions’ Team Training Class, an intense, two-week course held at Canine Companions’ Northeast Regional Center in Medford, New York — one of five such centers nationwide. The Northeast Regional Center serves a 13-state area, from Maine to Virginia.
Each student who attends Team Training — held at each center four times a year — is paired with a fully trained, working assistance dog like Delbert, and is taught to work with his/her canine companion. The training course consists of daily lectures, exams, practice and public outings.
Robles and Delbert are now settling into a routine back in Edison, according to Canine Companions representatives.
Canine Companions for Independence is the largest nonprofit provider of trained assistance dogs, with six regional training centers across the country. Established in 1975, the organization provides highly trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Canine Companions does not charge for the dog, its training or ongoing follow-up services.
For more information, visit cci.org or call 800-572-BARK.