When NYCAMH’s Clinical Case Manager Heather Chauncey learned about PHARM Dog USA, she knew just how much good a four-legged farmhand could do for DJ Grady.
DJ is a farm owner in the Finger Lakes region who has faced mobility issues since experiencing a workplace injury and stroke. His love for the farming lifestyle keeps him going, but he has concerns about staying safe when performing certain tasks.
Enter: Nip! He’s a professionally trained task dog from PHARM Dog USA, a non-profit initiative based in Missouri created to assist farmers who have a disability or disease but want to stay active and independent on their farms. The program trains rescued or donated dogs to perform service tasks specific to agriculture work, embracing founder Jackie Allenbrand’s mission to “Save a Dog. Help a Farmer. Make a Difference.”
Thanks to his trainer Donald McKay, Nip knows a few special commands that make him an excellent farmhand (or farmpaw). DJ often uses his tractor to get in and out of the pasture and was worried about his cows escaping, given the extended period of time that the gate remained open. Now, Nip will watch the exit and keep the cows back to make DJ’s movement easier, safer, and less stressful. Nip also knows the “bring” command, helping DJ easily pick up dropped items from the ground.
After many months of planning and coordination, Heather is very proud of the successful connection between our Farm Partners Program and the PHARM Dog team.
After the long drive north from rural Missouri to meet his new roommate, Nip and DJ became fast friends. Already inseparable, the pair will enjoy the good life on the farm together, working side-by-side. Learn more about this awesome initiative at pharmdog.org.
left to right: NYCAMH staff Christina + Heather, Farmer DJ, PHARM Dog Trainer Donald
Nip at work with Trainer Donald
