Phi Theta Kappa members at Coffeyville Community College continued their research of the chapter’s 2014 Honors in Action Project at the October 20 general membership meeting.  Their selected topic is “New Frontiers in the Use of Canines to Enhance the Quality of Human Life.”  Special guests at the meeting were Sarah Boyer, Crisis Coordinator at Four County Mental Health and Monty, the Four County Professional Therapy Dog.  Sarah shared with the Phi Theta Kappans the many ways in which Monty interacts with Four County staff and clients.

Monty is a 160 pound Newfoundland who came to Four County August 2013.  His training was received both in the “Prison Puppy” program at Hutchinson Correctional Facility and through the C.A.R.E.S. Program which provided more specialized training.  Monty was actually a C.A.R.E.S. Program graduate and received five days of specialized training before coming to the Independence facility.  At C.A.R.E.S., therapy dogs received specialized training for various medical conditions such as seizure alert while other dogs are used to assist persons with emotional or mobility issues.

The chapter members learned that Monty eats six cups of food a day while his shedding is sometimes a concern.  His long shedded hair has actually been woven into a scarf.  Although some children have been afraid of his large size, his gentle and loving nature has helped to keep some clients out of the psychiatric hospital.  Sarah shared that while most therapy dogs are labs or retrievers, Monty has done an excellent job of relating to clients at the Crisis Department at Four County.

Monty received his initial training at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.  Inmates have to earn the right to train the dogs through two years of good behavior.  While the dogs are taught 75 commands, Monty is proficient in ten which he demonstrated for the CCC students.  Sarah emphasized that service animals need consistency and it is important that dog and trainer mesh together.

Monty’s special work is in clinical service where he is used as a distraction for children displaying negative behavior.  The students learned that a dog wearing a red vest should not be petted as these are usually medical alert dogs, while a dog wearing a blue vest can be petted with permission.  The cost of a specially trained dog runs from $3,500 to over $5,000 while their value can be as high as $25,000.

The Eta Gamma Chapter will present their Honors in Action Project at the Kansas Region Conference in Junction City November 7-9.