Young pup learns the truth: It’s a zoo out there
North, a one-year-old golden retriever, takes in one of the Memphis Zoo exhibits with curator Courtney Janney while walking the grounds Thursday, July 9, 2020. Janney is training and socializing North to be a companion dog. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
“I’m really focused on continuing his basic obedience but adding in all of the distractions that come with real life because he’s not in a controlled setting anymore,” Courtney Janney said of North, who spent his first year at Hardeman County Correctional Facility, where he was paired with an inmate who taught him basic commands. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
North's presence helps zoo animals like Donte, a white-cheeked gibbon, get used to service dogs who may come with visitors. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
North, the golden retriever, watches the fish while Courtney Janney, a curator at the Memphis Zoo, makes her rounds July 9, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
North is being prepared to some day serve as a service dog, most likely for an individual with a physical disability. He was paired with his trainer through the Canine Companions for Independence program. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Courtney Janney gives North a treat while Memphis Zoo visitors Demarcus Moore and Martegus Pargee look on July 9, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
North, a 1-year-old golden retriever, wears a bright yellow cape as he makes the rounds at the Memphis Zoo where curator Courtney Janney is training him to be a Canine Companions assistance dog.
Topics
Memphis Zoo Hardeman County Correctional Facility Courtney Janney Canine Companions for Independence Katie Taylor Martha Johnson service dog Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
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Michael Waddell
Michael Waddell is a native Memphian with more than 20 years of professional writing and editorial experience, working most recently with The Daily News and High Ground News.
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