canine companions - Latte brings lots love to families and staff at Mary's Place!

Nurse Jeanne and Latte at a Mary’s Place health clinic

Jeanne has worked in nursing for over thirty-five years, she joined the Mary’s Place team in January. In addition to working as a nurse, Jeanne also volunteers as a puppy raiser for Canine Companions.

Canine Companions provides trained service dogs for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, to help develop a greater sense of independence. As a puppy raiser, Jeanne receives a puppy when it’s eight weeks old and will work with it for many months, attending weekly training classes. During that time, the goal is to socialize the puppy and help it get comfortable being a part of daily life. Currently Nurse Jeanne is working with Latte, her fourth Canine Companions puppy!

Latte often joins Nurse Jeanne at work. Jeanne says, “one of Latte’s future jobs may be as a Facility Service Dog, where she’ll bring smiles and love to those she interacts with.” Latte certainly does that at Mary’s Place where she spreads good cheer to guests and staff alike. The kids getting off the school bus and arriving back a Mary's Place in the afternoon love seeing Latte, and staff ask when she’ll be back, they love having her in the shelter!

During her time at Mary’s Place, Latte has helped Nurse Jeanne connect with Marys’ Place guests so they can get their health needs met. Jeanne and Latte recently visited a sick teenager in his bed. After the interaction the teen said, “I’m better now that Latte came!” His mom felt the change too, stating, “there’s a sense of calm when Latte is around.”

Latte going to work!

Latte has a special talent for helping children. Nurse Jeanne recounts a time when two autistic children arrived at shelter. The children were in continual flight. Both were running from their mom in different directions, a challenge even for the expert staff at Mary’s Place. Latte was able to provide a sense of calm and a safe harbor, drawing both kids to her. Eventually the kids were sitting down, calmly petting Latte. Just one more example of the positive effect Latte has on those around her!

“Latte speaks all languages and emotions, and ages, and all people. A lesson we can all learn,” states Jeanne.

Latte is now sixteen months old. She finishes her puppy training on November 2, when she’ll fly with Jeanne to Canine Companion College in California. While in College, Latte will go through her final few months of training and then she’ll be ready to meet her recipient family and become part of a team!

Nurse Jeanne is already on the waiting list for puppy #5. Perhaps a new furry, friendly face will be seen around Mary’s Place sometime in the future.

Written by guest blogger, Rachel Ostrander!