Life is full of PAWSabilities!
History
Team Leads
Volunteer
Our Story
By Sandra Stern – Founder/Ex. Dir.
Assistance Canines of Texas (ACT) is a true passion project for me. I know firsthand the impact that partnering with a service dog has on maintaining independence and enriching life. When I was still in my early twenties, I was told that I would probably be using a wheelchair in my thirties. Quite by accident, I met an amazing service dog team. She saw my struggles and simply asked “Why don’t you have a service dog?”. I quickly learned about the red tape, long waiting list, and high cost of receiving a fully trained” service dog. My solution was to find an amazing pup named Skeeter, and a professional trainer named Lenore. Every other week, for a year and a half, mom, Skeeter, and I made the 200-mile each way trip to training. That is the beginning of my story, almost 40 years ago. My life has been blessed by the service of Pete, Skeeter, Doobie, and now Medic.
As the founder of Assistance Canines of Texas, I am dedicated to making life full of PAWSabilities for handler training of service dogs. Providing lower to no cost professional training supervision, rescue/shelter prospect selection, and advocacy. Professional training supervision can adjust the cost of a fully trained service dog from the range of $20,000 to $90,000 in half or more. I am not saying professionally supervision training of a service dog is inexpensive; and the training process is by no means easy. Training requires hundreds of hours, and the physical stamina to complete objectives. By putting in the hours training Medic as my Mobility Service Dog I have the independence for the lifestyle I choose. I can walk into restaurants, go grocery shopping, and travel, all without a wheelchair.
At this point in my life, I see that organizations such as Assistance Canines of Texas are more important than ever. Current economic conditions for individuals with disabilities are worse than they have been in decades. Civil Rights discrimination in public access, housing and employment are as rampant as ever.
I want to take this opportunity to point out something most people have probably never even thought about.
Service Dogs are medically necessary – Service dogs are classified as medical equipment, meaning they are equal to treatment for an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms.
– Sandra Stern
We are an ALL Volunteer organization.
Sandra Stern – Founder/Executive Director/Whatever Needed
Cathy Dorchuck – Confirmation Dir./Trainer/Breeding Program Dir.
Jerry Stern – PIO/Media Relations, Podcast Producer
Bill Wade – Podcast Host/Spokesperson
Learn More about Volunteering by following the link below.
Our Training Model
First and foremost, we train the team, not the dog. We focus on establishing a well-balanced service dog team that is adept in a variety of situations, from daily tasks to emergency responses. Yes, we cover not only the specific tasks, essential skills such as obedience, public behavior, and socialization. Building a strong relationship between the handler and partner is crustal. The handler learns how to build trust and positive interactions with their partner, which enhances teamwork and overall effectiveness. Communication and Commands: Handlers learn the specific commands and signals that their partner responds to. Consistent and clear communication is essential for effective teamwork. Teamwork and Confidence Building: Training focuses on building the handler’s confidence in their ability to work with their partner as a team. This confidence is crucial for the handler to lead effectively.
Sandra is the founder and Executive Director of Assistance Canines of Texas (ACT). Her education includes a BBA, MBA, and Sc.D.. Her intention was to pursue a career in Biomedical Ethics/Hospice Administration. Complications related to a birth defect and other medical issues cut her career short at the age of 33. Sandra now lives in Kingwood, Texas, with her husband and 3 rescues, including her service partner Medic. Married to Jerry Stern, Assistance Canines has become a family dedication.
Jerry was in radio broadcasting for his entire 50 year career. A native of California, he now resides in Kingwood, Texas, with his wife, Sandra, and their 2 rescue furkids, and Medic (Sandra’s service team partner). He is a Lifetime Member of The Texas Radio Hall of Fame; and he is in charge of our podcast program MISSION imBARKable.
For Cathy, training service dogs for invisible disabilities is not a job but a passion. Since 2012, her practice has focused on invisible disabilities and their needs. In Texas, there were limited trainers with certifications for diabetes, epilepsy, dysautonomia and psychiatric disorders. Cathy took the initiative to attend numerous seminars and workshops, to learn everything possible about the volatile organic compounds a human emits during a blood sugar drop or rise, or the elevated heart rate that occurs during a panic attack. Cathy is one of 32 people in the country certified in biomedical dog training from the InSitu foundation in Chico, California. She is the resource for administering public access testing, and evaluations of owner-trained service dogs; as well as teaching airport etiquette and travel preparation She also is an excellent resource for how to navigate a move to another country or state with restrictions. Cathy is also a partner in Double D Doodle Ranch, a recognized Breeder of Excellence. Specializing in puppy prospects in multiple areas of service. Their puppies receive ENS, scent introduction, and are raised in a puppy culture environment.
KHJ93 Los Angeles, Boss Jock Bill Wade began his career in the era when “radio was king” and Boss Radio KHJ93 was leading the country into a legendary time of radio. His career spans over 50 years, and includes being recipient of The Marconi Radio Award recognizing outstanding achievements in broadcasting. Bill is the host of our weekly podcast MISSION imBARKable!