By Megan Wehring
WIMBERLEY – Five puppies are moving onto the next level to become assistance dogs.
On Thursday, May 19, the Freedom Canines International (FCI) puppies passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test – which moves them on to advanced training next school year as they learn to be diabetic alert, service, hearing and/or facility dogs.
The extensive training process started in September 2021 through a unique partnership with Wimberley ISD (WISD), where students have the opportunity to train future service dogs. Puppies attended high school agriculture classes all year long, where FCI Instructors Becky and Todd Kier teach students how to train all the manners and tricks a puppy will need to complete puppy raising and enter advanced training. Select dedicated students even earned the privilege of becoming a puppy raiser, taking a puppy with them to classes all over campus.
