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| The following was read at the Tribute Ceremony: Axel Vom Riverhaus, FD K-9, CGC, Demo Dog, aka "Karl" Owned and handled by Theresa A. Jennings of Putnam County, a First Responder and Rehab Volunteer with West Putnam Volunteer Fire Department, Station #20. Karl is currently a Fire Department K-9 with Station #20. Karl was bred and received his first basic puppy training here in Putnam Co. by Raymond and Kaye Tucker of Vom Riverhaus Kennels. At the age of 14 months he became a Therapy Dog at Tacachale, a residential facility in Gainesville for physically and mentally challanged patients. He has also been a "volunteer spokesdog" for the Alzheimer's Association by participating at various local functions and helping distribute information on the "Safe Return" program. Since his career began, Karl has been used as a demo dog for child/dog safety talks and as a representative of his breed at various Pet Fairs. He is also used as an "assistant" by his handler in working with community dogs to improve their social skills. Karl is featured as the main character of the website based Karl's Kids Program that started here in Putnam County in October 2003. Karl's Kids Program is now being used by various other programs such as Fire Departments in Oregon to an educational program for autistic children in Minnesota, with Program Representatives also located in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, California, and as far away as New Zealand. Karl is presently continuing his training as a tracking dog and specific task dog for West Putnam Volunteer Fire Department. Karl and his handler are part of a two team effort with the second team made up of Xray, a Fire Department K-9 In Training and his handler Firefighter Captain Jason Bailey. |
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