Kids and caregivers can catch Runner, a service dog in training, as she shows off her skills at an upcoming event at the Watkins Museum of History. Plus, there will be free frozen custard.
Runner is the Watkins’ fuzziest volunteer, who accompanies human volunteer Doug Tyler on his shifts at the museum’s front desk.
Alongside his wife and his friend Jules Rudiger, Tyler is raising Runner as part of the Canine Companions program, a national nonprofit that prepares and places service dogs with people with disabilities for free.
Runner is one of dozens of dogs that Tyler has brought to the Watkins over the years. Their pup’s time in the museum helps them get socialized with crowds, which ultimately gives them a better chance at graduating the program and going on to help a person with a disability.
Tots can learn about service dogs and see Runner show off her skills from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, June 19 at the museum, 1047 Massachusetts St.
There will also be a showing of the short animated film “Andy: A Dog’s Tale,” and time for kids to ask Tyler and Rudiger questions.
Attendance — and frozen custard from Culver’s — is free. Those interested should register by emailing Shannon Hodges at [email protected]. See the event on Facebook here.
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