Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – Individuals and families interested in the raising, training and availability of service dogs can learn about it during a webinar by Canine Companions, 6:30 PM Monday, May 2, as part of the Ocean County Library’s 2022 Autism Resources Fair.

The Bratnik family of Ocean County, affiliated with the national non-profit group since 2008, will discuss their puppy-raising experiences and the 18-month process to develop a fully functional service dog. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation.

The non-profit Canine Companions organization trains service dogs for people with disabilities at no cost. Puppies, trained for eight weeks in socialization and basic commands in California, are sent to volunteers around the country.

During the ensuing 18 months, the dogs master 30 commands and become acclimated to social environments such as work, shopping, athletic events, and more.

Registration at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events is required to attend this free program, sponsored by the Library’s Autism Resources Committee. Registrants will receive links for the Zoom presentation by email.

Registrants who request professional development credits during signup will receive them after the program. It will be recorded for posting at a later date on OCL’s YouTube channel.

The 2022 Autism Resources Fair is made possible by a generous donation from the Ocean County Library Foundation. See the full schedule of events and programs at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/autism.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

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