#CookPupdate: Charlie Bear

If you follow Cook Medical’s Facebook page, you’ve probably seen regular #CookPupdates on Charlie and how he is progressing in the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) program. I had the pleasure of spending some time with him recently and am excited to share what he’s been up to!

Charlie is now eight months old and living with Randy, his handler, at the Correctional Industrial Facility (also known as CIF) in Pendleton, Indiana. There are about 20 ICAN dogs currently living at CIF and going through the training program. Here Charlie is learning his Level 1 skills that include basic commands like sit, stay, drop, and hug. Randy recently told me that Charlie’s favorite command is shake, and that he’s quite good at it!

Charlie is affectionately referred to as “Charlie Bear” in the prison. All ICAN dogs are trained through positive reinforcement and the treats they receive for executing a command correctly are called Charlie Bears. Plus, Charlie is sweet and loveable, so the name just fits!

Every six weeks Charlie goes on what is referred to as “furlough” and spends about three weeks outside the prison with an ICAN volunteer. This ensures that Charlie is learning not only service dog skills, but how to socialize out in the community.

Randy is one of sixteen handlers at CIF. He has been with ICAN the longest out of all the inmates and Charlie will be the eighth dog he’s trained. We were fortunate to receive a letter from Randy and hear firsthand how Charlie was doing:

To Cook Sponsors,

Where do I begin with Charlie? Charlie is an extremely affectionate dog. He will do just about anything for you, for a hug, and a petting. As a matter of fact, he will work better for some affection more so than treats. That is not say he is not food motivated; he loves mealtime!

He is getting ready to progress into level-two skills. Charlie’s level-ones are fair and probably will only get better with time and familiarity. The only issue I can see is some anxiety when people attempt to pet him. What I mean is that he gets excited sometimes if people purposely approach to pet him. Of course, maturity may curb a lot of that excitability. Other than that, Charlie is a great candidate for placement. He is picking up skills faster now, so I am looking forward to working more with him in the future. 

Even though Charlie is a bit timid and shy at times, he is gaining confidence along with skills on a daily basis. He is the most affectionate dog I have ever had. A little attention goes a long way with Charlie, which actually makes training him a bit easier for me—treats are optional. Thanks for sponsoring him. He’s a great little pup!

—Randy L.

The impact of the Indiana Canine Assistant Network is incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to meet Randy (and get some wet kisses from Charlie), as well as spend time with some of the other men who are currently training ICAN dogs at the Pendleton Correctional Facility, the maximum security prison next door to CIF. I’ve stood in the inmates’ dorm and witnessed the powerful effect of loving and caring for a dog.

I look forward to spending more time with Charlie, the inmates, and the volunteers at ICAN. Each letter, visit, and interaction brings us closer to the day when Charlie will graduate from the program and his begin his journey as the loving companion to someone in need.