Service dog has a lot of Gusto for Haverford High student

Haverford High School senior Bernadette Krause maneuvers around her classroom with the help of Gusto, an assistant service dog, on the first day of school Tuesday.

An assistant service dog provided through Canine Partners for Life, Gusto accompanied his owner, 18-year-old Bernadette Krause, every step of the way, demonstrating the quiet devotion and helpfulness he's trained to deliver.

Gusto picked up index cards, keys, and books that Krause dropped and could not reach from her wheelchair. He walked beside her down hallways and lay peacefully at her feet during classes.

"We forgot the dog was here," said biology teacher Vicki Pollard.

This astute canine can, on command, open doors, operate lights and elevator buttons, make purchases at a cash register, help his owner do laundry, even dress. And while Krause can't walk independently because of cerebral palsy, Gusto provides better support than a walker, she said.
A senior this year, Krause thinks the main purpose of having Gusto is "for greater independence all around."

"He's there for me. He picks things up. I'm learning to walk with him. It's definitely going to be a help. I've dropped stuff in school, on average, 15 times a day. He's going to make it easier, emotionally, as well as physically."

For about 95 percent of the time, Gusto wears a harness that identifies him as a working dog, and instructs admirers not to pet him. With his wonderful brown eyes, mellow manner and jet-black coat, extending a hand to give Gusto a pat is a temptation, indeed.

"It's very important not to distract him," said Krause. "There are so many people at school. If everyone starts saying hi, it's bad because he needs to be focused on me to be beneficial. If he starts losing that bond, it could backfire."

Thanks to a letter the school sent students in August, and a briefing from trainers Tuesday, "there were no issues," said Principal Jeffrey Nesbitt. Nesbitt added that as far as he knows, Gusto is the first assistant service dog at Haverford High School.

Krause learned about Canine Partners for Life when a friend brought her service dog to Variety Club Camp one summer.

"I saw great benefits from it ... and started looking into it," Krause said.

Based in Cochranville, Chester County, Canine Partners for Life is a nonprofit organization that trains service and companion dogs to aid individuals with a range of physical and cognitive disabilities, including muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis and seizure disorders.

Dogs undergo up to two years of comprehensive and customized training before they're matched with a recipient.

Krause had to successfully complete an application and interview process to be accepted into the program. Once paired, Krause and Gusto participated in three weeks of intensive training before she brought Gusto home to serve as a constant and loyal companion. She must submit written reports every six months as part of a follow-up program.

Gusto rarely barks, never behaves aggressively and keys into simple commands like "pick it up," "hold it" and "drop it," receiving a small treat for every good deed.

On a more sophisticated note, Krause hopes to teach Gusto to distinguish between scent-coded textbooks.

If all goes well, Gusto will accompany Krause to college next year.

Planning to study speech pathology, Krause's prospects include Temple University, the University of Delaware and the University of Maryland.

"These dogs are amazing," said Krause's mom, Rita. "It's amazing how well they're working together. I was really nervous about the whole thing, but it's going great."

"Gusto is awesome," said Krause's best friend, Lauren Schoppet. "He's very helpful and listens to Bernadette. Whatever she says, he follows the command."

For more information: Canine Partners for Life, P.O. Box 170, Cochranville, PA 19330-0170, (610) 869-4902. E-mail: info@k94life.org or www.k94life.org.