For Love Of Dog: Maplewood Boy, 8, Gets Canine Assistance Companion

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Grant Weiss’ new dog isn’t better than yours… but he is probably better trained.

The eight-year-old Maplewood resident recently received an assistance dog from Canine Companions for Independence, a national non-profit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities.

Weiss’ new companion, Natchez, a two-year-old yellow lab/ golden retriever mix, has been trained to respond to over 40 advanced commands, staff at Canine Companions said. Natchez can turn light switches on and off, open and close doors and retrieve dropped objects.

But one of his most important jobs will be to provide constant companionship for Weiss, Canine Companions staff emphasized.

Weiss and Natchez returned to Maplewood after completing Canine Companion’s recent Team Training Class, an intense, two-week course held at Canine Companion’s Northeast Regional Center in Medford, NY. The pair are settling into a routine back in their hometown, staff say.

“Natchez is a very special dog and we hope to have many wonderful years with him,” Grant’s father, Danny Weiss, said.

Photo: Canine Companions for Independence

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