By LISA SCHROPP lschropp@lockhaven.com 

LOCK HAVEN - National K-9 Veterans Day is a day to recognize the service of working dogs, whether it is in the military, law enforcement, helping people with disabilities and support animals for those with mental health issues.

Clinton County is fortunate to have a service facility dog named Clark, but he had quite a long journey to get here.

Clark spent the first two years of his life with Olivia Dalby and Sofia Lynn, while they attended Penn State University. Roar for More is a partnership between Penn State University and Susquehanna Service Dogs that gives Penn State students the opportunity to train a potential service dog through a variety of experiences. The goal of Roar for More is for puppies to be well-trained and well-socialized so that they can then become service dogs for people with different needs.

"What Susquehanna Service Dogs does is one of the most amazing things, and being a part of Penn State Roar for More was so rewarding. It really exposes the dog at a young age to different scenarios and things that they might not get to experience otherwise," Dalby said.

Part of Keystone Human Services, Susquehanna Service Dogs breeds, raises, trains and places assistance dogs, hearing dogs and facility dogs. The nonprofit matches people and dogs, and follows each team for the working life of the dog and through the dog's retirement.

Judge Michael Salisbury, who presides over Clinton County's Specialty Court Programs, first thought of the idea to get a service facility dog while attending the Pennsylvania Association of Treatment Court Professionals Conference eight years ago.

While there, he met SSD Buster from York County and SSD Hamlet from Lancaster and realized the benefits that a service facility dog would have on his court and the people in Clinton County.

After getting approval from the Clinton County Commissioners, Ed Hosler, deputy chief probation officer, completed the necessary training to become a service dog handler. Meanwhile, Clark spent six months at the Susquehanna Service Dogs facility in Grantville, Pa., getting advanced training. When the time came to see which dog Hosler would make the best team with, he had to meet with six different dogs to see how he acted with each of them and how they reacted to him.

Hosler arrived to pick up his service facility dog, not knowing which dog he was going to get, and there was Clark waiting with his family, Olivia and Sofia, as well as Olivia's parents, Sam and Ann, and sister, Allison. Hosler and Olivia both recalled what an emotional day it was for everyone involved.

"You hope that they go on and do great things, but you do get attached," Olivia said.

The decision of whether or not to stay in contact with the foster family is up to the individual handler, but Hosler said that he knew at that moment he had to continue a relationship with the Dalby family and keep them in Clark's life.

Clark goes to visit the Dalby family once or twice a year, and he has even visited Olivia in New York City. During his visit this past Thanksgiving, Olivia said they tried to make it special for him and do his favorite things, which included playing outside, going to the pet store, running errands and even a trip to a Christmas tree farm. They also send a care package to Clark for his birthday and Christmas.

"I don't think we've missed a birthday," Olivia said with a chuckle.

Hosler even created an Instagram account for Clark as a way for the Dalby family and the entire community to stay connected to Clark. You can follow Clark at @ssd.clark.

Clark goes to work with Hosler every day, whether he is in the office or in the courtroom. In fact, Clark has his own platform in the courtroom where he is a calming presence to the participants of the Specialty Court Programs.

Hosler understands that, due to the nature of his job, the Treatment Court participants are not always happy to see him. But Clark helps to change people's moods and diffuse the tension.

Clark knows basic cues for 'sit,' 'stay' and 'down,' as well as more advanced cues for 'station,' 'high five' and a new command for 'bow.' When he hears the 'pressure' cue, he lays on the person's lap, which is helpful to children who are nervous and scared.

Clark is also a source of stress relief for the probation officers. Hosler said that it's common to see one of his staff members laying on the floor with Clark.

Clark has the ability to learn specialized cues for unique situations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Judge Salisbury and the participants had to practice social distancing, Hosler taught Clark a new command for 'goodie bag,' in which Clark would get the goodie bag from Judge Salisbury and deliver it to the participant.

All of Clark's commands can also be conveyed to him in sign language, which Hosler emphasized is important when they are in the courtroom. Being quiet is not an issue for Clark. Hosler fondly remembered an instance when Clark was too quiet. He had been out of his office for 15 minutes and returned to find his staff panicking, because they could not find Clark. They searched the floor, knowing that Clark could not get through the locked doors, and eventually found him sitting in the elevator, waiting patiently to be found.

Clark's proudest achievement is being the first full-time service dog in Clinton County's Specialty Court Programs. His role is so vital that if Hosler shows up at the courthouse without Clark, Judge Salisbury makes him go back to the office and get him.

"I couldn't imagine the courtroom without him. Clark is a calming presence in the courtroom, not only for the program participants, but also for me. The therapeutic effect Clark has on the participants, many of whom suffer from a traumatic experience, is amazing. The physical contact and Clark's understanding of their discomfort is a miracle everyone should witness. The Specialty Courts are blessed to have him," Judge Salisbury said.

Last year, Hosler and Clark were guest speakers at the Pennsylvania Association of Treatment Court Professionals Conference, which Hosler called a "full circle moment."

In the three years that Clark has been a service facility dog, he has made a positive impact on the community and can be seen at local events, such as Easter egg hunts, Rally for Recovery, Clinton County Night Out and Reading Under the Lights.

Hosler said that Clark loves to visit with members of the community, but please ask before petting him.

Just like people, Clark sometimes needs a break, too. When he gets home and Hosler takes his vest off, he is just like a regular dog. He likes to take walks and play fetch, but after about five times, he's done and needs to rest up before going back to work the next day. He will work for as long as he can and will retire when he is ready.

Hosler disclosed that Clark even has a retirement package, but he doesn't show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Hosler acknowledged that the Sons of Italy is a huge benefactor to Clinton County's Specialty Court Programs and funds incentives for the programs.

"Without them and their support, our program wouldn't work," he said.

Hosler also stressed that the people of Clinton County have Olivia and Sofia to thank for giving them the gift of Clark.

As for Olivia, she said that seeing the bond between Hosler and Clark has made the entire experience worth it and she is thankful to Susquehanna Service Dogs for the opportunity to see Clark grow and change lives.

"I would do it all over again," she said.

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