Story, a Saint Francis Service Dog trainee, patiently waits while her human trainer has a hair appointment at Good Looks salon in downtown Radford. Story is being raised by a Radford Public Library staff member.
Heather Bell
RADFORD – For the past few months, the Radford Public Library has had a furry visitor learning the ropes about service.
Story, a Saint Francis Service Dog puppy in training, is being trained by a library staff member and spends her days at the library. She was nine-weeks-old when she first arrived several months ago.
“Story continues to grow and learn in her daily trips to the library along with her volunteer handler,” reads a statement in the library’s newsletter. “Thanks to library staff and their daily interactions with her, Story has learned many basic commands and is doing well with her manners. We’re grateful to Saint Francis Service Dog [program] for this opportunity.
Recently, Story has been heading out into Radford for socialization and adjustment activities, getting her ready for her life of service.
“Part of Story’s development and training involves learning how to behave appropriately in public areas. To adjust to different settings, she first needs the opportunity to be exposed to that setting, and this happens with the agreement and support of local Radford businesses. Thank you to Good Looks of Radford, and owner Maleah Hale, for allowing Story to visit during a library’s staff member’s hair appointment and stay a spell.”
