A New Compassionate Companion

We know the value a new furry friend can bring into your life. We recognize the value, even more, when that new companion is a physical and emotional support for someone who may be experiencing a traumatic event in their life such as physical injury, amputation, or emotional distress. As such, it is a great honor of ours to be able to partner with South Beach Orthotics and Prosthetics (South Beach OP) to provide a loyal companion to one of their patients to help with his motivation, positivity, and working towards independence!

Carl Anderson is an active family man who has experienced a below-the-knee amputation due to a foot infection that turned gangrenous. The change in lifestyle that comes from an amputation- learning to walk again, regaining independence, the emotional and mental duress an amputation can cause- are all significant hurdles to overcome. South Beach OP works with their patients from beginning to end to ensure the proper fit of prosthesis, as well as support during occupational therapy and appointment transportation. The emotional support and connectedness is where AlphA and Omega have been delighted to be involved in the process. Our lead trainer Karlon has been working with a canine companion for Carl, a dog named Blue!

It is so important to have a well-trained dog; it is exponentially more important to have a well-trained dog when you are a person who is living with a prosthesis. When patients who have gone through an amputation begin to learn to walk and move around again, the fear of falling is a very real concern for those patients. Having a dog that knows how to walk on a leash without pulling, or to greet you at the door without jumping up and potentially knocking you over, is key. AlphA and Omega value these good behaviors in dogs and puts in the work to make sure your furry companion understands your commands and behaves in a desirable way.

Carl’s companion Blue was living with Karlon to learn how to best be a companion for Carl and we are proud to say, handed off to Carl and his family on February 12th. AlphA and Omega’s training regime views each pooch as an individual and works with them at a pace and method that is appropriate for that specific dog. By building a rapport with the dog and understanding their temperament and personality we can most effectively connect and lead the dog. Changing behavior in a non-punitive way while showing the dog how to be a part of the human “pack” are all key elements AlphA and Omega instill in all the dogs they work with.

Stay tuned for updates on how Carl and Blue are getting on!

Regardless of your current situation: Living with a physical disability, needing emotional support, or looking for a new furry friend to add to your family, AlphA and Omega can help you to train and work with your dog! We are so proud of our connections with like-minded entities and can not wait to work with you! Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/alphaandomegadogtraining or give us a call at 844.739.0990 to begin your journey to a well-trained pooch!