Meet Camp’s Furry Friend, Javier!

Camp Boggy Creek is so excited to welcome the newest member of our team, Javier! We sat down with Javier’s owner Linh, who is Camp’s Nursing Director, and asked him some questions to learn more about Javier’s role at Camp.

Linh, can you tell us a bit about Javier?

Linh: Javier was a service dog candidate in service dog training. In their due diligence to make sure he was healthy enough in that career, they discovered that he has Kidney Dysplasia, which would disqualify him from being a service dog. Canine Companions then moved him into their adoptive therapy dog program, in that program people adopt the dogs and commit to a five year volunteer service agreement where you do service work as a therapy dog pair once they are certified. We were up to adopt and got lucky that Javier came up for adoption, we immediately said yes to adopting him full time. Javier is my dog now, and he will be getting certified in late April to be a therapy dog pair and we will do our five year volunteer commitment doing therapy work at Camp Boggy Creek.

What breed is Javier?

Linh: Javier is a Golden Lab mix.

What kind of training has Javier had?

Linh: He had basic obedience and puppy training through most of his life until he started service dog training. He then had three months of service dog training while he was still in his previous program.

Tell us about Javier’s unique kidney condition and how he can relate to our Campers?

Linh: It is a congenital condition, a malformation in his kidneys, essentially that means his kidneys aren’t as efficient, so he has to urinate a little more often and stay extra hydrated. Just like our Campers he has a medical condition. In his very short lifetime so far, he has already been told no and that he can’t do certain things. At Camp we get to say yes to Javier, he can still do things and be fulfilled while making other people happy and creating great memories as he does his work here at Camp.

What does Javier do when he is not at work?

Linh: When he is not at work he likes to look for attention, he is a cuddle bug, he wants to be in your lap even if he is a little big to be a lap dog, or he is napping. It always looks like he is sad because he is trying to reel you in so that he gets all of the attention he is craving. He wants attention all the time, and that’s ok with me.

Does Javier have a favorite treat?

Linh: Right now, he loves pumpkin popsicles, which help to keep him healthy. He also gets blueberry popsicles, and he is a huge fan of doggy ice cream, which is Greek yogurt and blueberries.

Linh with Javier

How have the Campers responded to Javier being present with them at Camp?

Linh: They love on him! The Campers that want to see and spend time with Javier come back to see him multiple times while they are here, and they take every opportunity to see him any chance they can. They love to pet him, give him his favorite belly rubs, and give him all of the attention that he loves. He is really sad when Campers leave because he doesn’t get all of their attention anymore.

What’s your hope for having Javier here with our Campers?

Linh: I’m hoping as Javier does his work here as a therapy dog that he provides some calmness and comfort to our Campers that are looking for it. He will spend a lot of time in the Patch. Sometimes it can be scary to go to the Patch because it is a reminder of going to the hospital or the clinic. Javier will be there to be a relaxing and calming presence and a source of comfort to make it less scary for some Campers. He will also be a good opportunity for Campers to be introduced to a dog that is not scary and easy to be with, while also learning skills like how to walk a dog, give a dog a bath, and other related things that we will do with him.

What is your favorite thing about having Javier here with you?

Linh: How much everyone, including the year-round employees, appreciate having Javier around. It is an opportunity for him to socialize and meet other people other than me, and for him to get some extra attention throughout the day when we come to work.

Welcome Javier, we’re so glad you’re here!