MOORESVILLE, N.C. — With over 33 years of experience, qualified American Kennel Club instructor Andy Hanellin trains dogs to be more than just companions.
"We rescue dogs from the shelters from different humane societies," said Henellin.
Hanellin, the owner of Dogs by Andy, trains dogs in numerous disciplines ranging from agility, personal protection and more, as I experienced firsthand.
To visit the Dogs by Andy Facebook page, click here.
"So we'll rescue the dogs, we'll train them, we'll give them all the life skills they need to be a good partner to somebody that's either handicapped, or not handicapped, and move that dog along in life," he said.
After Henellin's niece was diagnosed with autism, Andy, with the assistance of two family members, decided to branch out.
"So, now the dog benefits, the people benefit. It's a win-win situation for everybody," he said.
Hanellin decided to assist in training companion dogs to help individuals with mental and physical disabilities find canine companions to provide assistance in carrying out everyday tasks through a project that he calls ASA.
So far, ASA has been able to assist the needs of countless individuals. That is how Sally Throckmorton met Sasha. "I feel very protected," said Throckmorton, an owner of one of Hanellin's ASA service dogs.
To see the Dogs by Andy website, click here.
Throckmorton travels everywhere with her companion Sasha, even to the swimming pool.
"I'm not sure if it was luck or if he had some kind of crazy skills. We sat and told him what we wanted and he said, ' I think I have a dog for you' and we met Sasha," said Libby Throckmorton.
For the future, Andy has big goals for this new chapter.
"Our goal actually is to increase the dogs that we're rescuing and training for service dogs," he said.