JJC Trains Seeing Eye Dog

FARMINGDALE - Residents of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission's Fresh Start Residential Community Home have completed the fostering program for Spock, a black male Labrador Retriever, that will be returned to the Seeing Eye located in Morristown to complete the final phase of his training to become a guide dog.

Spock, who was born at the end of February and arrived at Fresh Start on May 2, will return to the Seeing Eye this week. During his 18 months of training, a team of residents helped socialize the potential Seeing Eye dog and taught him basic commands including, sit, down, park and rest. As part of Spock's socialization, he attended Ocean County 4H Puppy Power Club meetings with his resident handlers and JJC staff. Regular training and interaction have prepared Spock to return to the Seeing Eye where he will begin intensive training in preparation as a service dog for a sight impaired individual.

"Our residents understand that they have an important responsibility to care for Spock and develop his skills so that one day he can help someone who needs assistance. While the JJC and the Fresh Start residents and staff will be sad to see Spock leave, we know that he will be a lifeline for someone who desperately needs the services he can provide," said Michael Dindak, Superintendent, Fresh Start. Residential Community Home.

"The Seeing Eye would not be able to do what it does without the volunteer assistance of our puppy raisers. We know that puppies spending their early months in kennels are not as successful as dog guides as those raised in the homes of families, where they receive the attention and nurturing they truly need. We are so grateful for the efforts of the young people raising Spock, and for the hard work of all our volunteer puppy raisers," said Christine Dickson, Manager of Puppy Placement.

"Many of our residents have never known the unconditional love offered by a pet. Many have led troubled lives with little stability and structure," said Howard L. Beyer, JJC Executive Director. "The JJC's partnership with the Seeing Eye and the Ocean County 4H Club not only encourages our residents to develop a relationship with an animal while providing care and support, but it allows these young people to give back to their community and know that are helping to give someone the gift of independence."

Fresh Start Residential Community, located in Farmingdale, serves up to 28 male juveniles who range in age from 13 to 18. The JJC?s classification committee refers residents with serious emotional disorders, cognitive impairments or those who are vulnerable within other JJC residential community homes or facilities to this facility. The goal of Fresh Start is to provide a safe and secure setting for young people with special needs where their individual rehabilitative needs are addressed. Residents are committed to the JJC by the Family Court system. The program does not accept juveniles serving a term of probation.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com