A presentation to a group of about 15 individuals interested in learning more about assistance dogs and the vital role they play for people with disabilities was provided on April 12 at the Tri-state Independent Blind Society in Dubuque, Iowa.  Attendees learned how the dogs are trained, how they can help people with disabilities, and how to apply for a dog through Paws with a Cause.  Opal attended her first presentation and did pretty well on her long down-stay and showing off her service dog tasks!

Cindy Ludwig gave a presentation on child safety around dogs and bite prevention to a group of approximately 100 local Girl Scouts on Saturday, April 8 at Camp Little Cloud in Epworth, Iowa.  The girls learned to recognize friendly dogs and dogs that wanted to be left alone and should not be petted.  They practiced being a tree and being a rock in the event of contact with an unfriendly dog.

The Worthington City Council has a ban on dangerous animals which includes tigers, alligators and pit bulls.  A local resident is appealing to the council to keep her pet pit bulls. Dyersville Commercial journalist Ben Jacobson consulted Canine Connection owner and professional animal trainer, Cindy Ludwig for her expert opinion about whether certain dog breeds are inherently more dangerous than others.  The choice of the word, "violent" is the author's.  For the full article, see: Are specific dog breeds dangerous?

Bentley is Canine Connection's latest S.T.A.R. Puppy!  Congratulations, Bentley and owner, Renee!  Well done!