IU STUDENT HELPS TRAIN SERVICE DOGS
Indiana University student, Ruth Dutton is apart of ICAN. This association allows Dutton to furlough service dogs in training. During the spring semester in 2022 Dutton passes her public access tests and has her first furlough with a dog named Cruchee.

Ruth Dutton handles a dog named Tina during her public access test March 28, 2022, at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. To the left, Marissa Maines proctors the test. Dutton is a sophomore at Indiana University who is a member of the ICAN club. ICAN stands for Indiana Canine Association Network.

Ruth Dutton hands Tina a piece of kibble during Dutton’s public access test March 28, 2022, at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Dutton passed her public access test on the first attempt. If ICAN members want to furlough a service dog then they must pass the test to prove they can handle the animal even with possible distractions. These dogs are raised in prisons with an inmate handler. To gain real world experience they come out on furlough with public access volunteers involved with ICAN.

Ruth Dutton participates in an exercise to try and distract a service dog at an ICAN meeting March 28, 2022 at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Dutton wants to be an aquatic vet. She became interested in being a member of ICAN because of the animal experience she could gain.

Ruth Dutton lets the dog Crunchee out of her crate April 11, 2022, at Dutton’s on-campus apartment. Dutton got Crunchee that morning and will have her on furlough for about three weeks. This will be Dutton’s first time as a furlough volunteer.

Ruth Dutton plays with Crunchee April 11, 2022, in the living room of Dutton’s on-campus apartment. Crunchee came from the Pendleton Correctional Facility where her inmate handler taught her commands. During her time with Dutton she will be able to socialize by going to class, the grocery store and spending time on the bus.

Crunchee lays down after playing April 11, 2022, at Ruth Dutton’s on-campus apartment. The purple dinosaur toy in the bottom corner is one of Crunchee’s favorites. That morning she chewed the tail off of the toy, said Dutton.

Ruth Dutton tells Crunchee to “dress” April 11, 2022, at Dutton’s on-campus apartment. Dressing is a command that Crunchee has learned means to put on her harness. This is an important command because when Crunchee is assigned to her permanent handler they may have a disability that limits their mobility.

Ruth Dutton walks Crunchee April 11, 2022, at Dutton’s on-campus apartment. Dutton and Cruchee work on leash skills such as the dog staying beside the handler instead of walking ahead.

Ruth Dutton takes Crunchee outside to go to the bathroom April 11, 2022, outside of Dutton’s on-campus apartment. Dutton wears a fanny pack that holds kibble to reward Crunchee for good behavior.

Ruth Dutton and Crunchee heads back inside after their walk April 11, 2022, outside of Dutton’s on-campus apartment. Giving Crunchee back after three weeks will be hard but it is important to understand the difference between a pet and a service animal, said Dutton.