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The following message was originally sent 2/27/98, but was returned undelivered for reasons not known to me. Some of the information may be repetitive and untimely, but, I hope, nonetheless informative. Original text follows... ____________________________________________________________________ In response to recent numerous posts and requests for information concerning Parkinson dogs, the following may be of interest. Dr. Matthew Stern, who is the Director for the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, which is an NPF Center of Excellence, has a pilot program sponsored by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals by which he screens Parkinson's patients for eligibility into the Parkinson dog program. Following medical evaluation, Dr. Stern refers the patient to nearby Independence Dogs, Inc. where the dogs are trained. At that time a rigorous interviewing process takes place between the patient and the kennel staff as to compatibility with the animals. The patient then returns home with a myriad of materials including videos, forms, case histories to familiarize he/she with the dog's abilities. The patient is then informed as to potential availability of a dog. When the patient is contacted, he/she must be prepared to live at the kennel facility for upwards of three weeks of intensive training sessions designed to assimilate the dog to the patient. It takes approximately 9 months to a year to completely train the dog for Parkinson's specific duties. For additional information regarding this program, contact: University of Pennsylvania Health System Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center Attn: Jane Wright 700 Spruce Street, Suite 305 Philadelphia, PA 19106 -or- Independence Dogs, Inc. 146 State Line Road Chadds Ford, PA 19317 www.ndepot.com/idi/index.htm