Washington Local Schools superintendent Dr. Kadee Anstadt, fourth from left, receives Granger from Ability Center volunteers Mary Miller and Karen Bade. Also trained to be Granger’s new handlers are WLS staff, from left, Brittani Paszko, director of equity and inclusion; Lori Berryman, director of human resources; and Kristie Martin, assistant superintendent.
Dr. Anstadt, left, and Jenny Barlos, client services manager for the Ability Center’s assistance dogs program, with Granger, the new therapy dog for Washington Local Schools.
Kim Feehan of Stryker received her service dog, Cairo, in November. She and Cairo were part of the 2021 graduation ceremony because the pandemic prevented a celebration last year. “Cairo has made such a difference in my life,” Ms. Feehan said. I’m a lot more independent now. He loves his job.”
The Ability Center held its summer graduation for service, therapy and school therapy dogs with a passingof-the-leash ceremony July 15.
“Our graduation is the culmination of two years of training for our dogs,” said Mallory Crooks, public relations manager. “The dogs are trained and prepared for their roles in becoming lifechanging companions for those with disabilities. Graduat...
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