June 20: Service dogs learn how to work on RTA

 June 20: Service dogs learn how to work on RTA

Jun 17, 2013

CLEVELAND -- The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will host a group of volunteers (human and canine) from Canine Companions for Independence in Cleveland. On June 20, morning commuters on the Red Line may see a large group of puppies and full-grown service dogs, all learning how to ride a train.

On one team of first-time riders are Emily of Bay Village, and her canine companion, Dash. She will be joined by two other teams, as well as organizers, graduate dogs and new dogs in training, on a day out in Cleveland with the local chapter of Canine Companions.

Riding on trains and buses, as well as interacting in many other environments, is part of the canine training that needs to be completed by volunteer puppy raisers. It helps socialize the pups and hopefully make them eligible to be placed as an assistance dog in the future.

MEDIA NOTE: If you'd like to ride along, contact Mary Shaffer (info below) for details.

Background

Canine Companions for Independence® is a non-profit that provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities. The dogs are trained and provided to their new owners free of charge. For details, see www.cci.org.

RTA provides quality, economic and safe public transportation via rail, bus and Paratransit throughout Cuyahoga County. Real-time information is available for all buses and trains. Check www.riderta.com or call the RTAnswerline at 216.621.9500.

Media Contact: Mary Shaffer, 216-566-5211