Release dogs are also called COCs (Change of Career) dogs. About 30% make it through the program, the other 70% either become pets or may go on to other programs such as search and rescue, bomb detection, and many other alternative working lives. Many go on to be therapy dogs working in schools and hospitals.
CCI, like most of these programs, has committed to providing these dogs homes for life. You can sign on, for example, to be on the waiting list for a COC needing adoption. The list, I am told, is about 2.5 years. Puppy raisers have the first choice, then the puppy raiser can choose to adopt the dog out on their own, or they can choose to have the dog go to the list.
These dogs are never sold. However, a donation of $500 to the program is expected. After all, the person is getting one great professionally trained dog.
Creole II, my first dog, was released for "passive aggressiveness." This means that he was never outwardly aggressive; he never growled at people, never snipped, or anything like that. He would, for example, protect his food from other dogs by putting his butt in the way. A true service dog would walk away and give up his food rather than confront another dog. He wouldn't just give it up, he would make the other dog force the issue before he gave up his food.
So, when they called me and said, after 4 of his 6 months of advanced training, that he was going to be released, I jumped at the chance to get him back. He is working as a therapy dog now, but when his is home, he is my best friend. I call him my $40,000 dog. That is about how much as been invested in him over his life so far.
These animals come from special breeding programs run by professional vets with years of experience, they are raised by their mothers and a handler until they are about 8 weeks old, then they are flown around the country to puppy raisers that take care of them for about 18 months. After that, they are flown back and run through 6 months of advanced training and then placed with their final partner.
It is a fun program. If you come to the Big Smoke in Vegas, you can meet Emile. He will be there with me.
