11/10/2025
Laura Shepler November 8 at 9:26 AM
Rowlf passed his certification test! With huge thanks to Deputy Dog founder Mark Stieber (on the right in photo), trainer Linda (on the left in photo), and my ever faithful volunteer helper, Nancy, Rowlf has passed his final certification test to be a mobility support dog!
I'm so grateful to these people and this organization. It's not uncommon for people to have to pay $25k or more for a mostly trained service dog that will still need some individualized training when it arrives. And there are wait lists several years long. Deputy Dog's mission is to work with handler / dog teams and train them to each handler's specific needs, cultivating a relationship and communication between the handler and dog as they train together.
Through the generosity of donors, I was able to complete Rowlf's training in just over a year for a monthly tuition less than any phone or cable bill live seen in the past decade.
I would be remiss to not also thank DVGRR, who hand picked Rowlf for me when I told them I was looking for a dog to train. He was so bitey and jumpy at first that I had my doubts, but their adoption coordinator, Zach, has incredible instincts about dogs.
If you want to know more about any of these organizations or have questions about the tasks Rowlf's been trained to perform for me, contact me! He's my 2nd favorite topic of conversation.
