South Pittsburg: Spotlighting service dogs

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. — A new public television series might be the start of a growing service-dog effort for Marion County-based PALS with Pawz Inc.

Founder Christine Gutterman said she hopes the series, “Heroes of Hope,” will help her target parents of autistic children and teachers who have students with disabilities.

“I want teachers to know that these dogs can come into the classroom and assist them (and) I want parents to know they can get help earlier than 8 years old,” she said over lunch at the local Shoney’s with her husband, Jeff, and service dog, D’Artagnan, in tow.

She said most service dog organizations must charge thousands of dollars for a trained dog and some have to place an age limit on who can get a dog because of demand.

The series producers saw the PALS Web site and called her, she said.

“It’s going to be seen in over a million homes across all the channels,” she said. The exposure will increase awareness about PALS and service dog organizations, said Mrs. Gutterman, who was bedridden for two years after an auto accident before she got her first service dog. But PALS must round up sponsors by Feb. 28 to help with the organization’s $23,000 share of the estimated $1 million production cost.

Mrs. Gutterman said she hopes a business or philanthropist will sponsor the show, but she’ll also take individual donations.

Matthew McMahon, vice president of programming for “Heroes of Hope,” said in a news release that the series focuses on developmental disabilities and highlights professionals who give “hope and healing to people who have disabilities, whether physical, mental or emotional.”

Ms. Gutterman was invited onto the show because of her work to train rescued and donated dogs as service dogs, Mr. McMahon said.

“We’re excited to partner with Christine and her organization and look forward to sending a much-needed educational message out to the public that is often either overlooked or not addressed,” he said. “This segment in particular will highlight the quality of life issue that an organization like PALS with Pawz is so passionate about.”

The show, hosted by Hugh Downs, will reach all 50 states and more than 127 countries in 59 languages, he said.

Production includes a two- to five-minute segment for distribution to public television stations, a custom six- to eight-minute educational documentary for PALS to use and a segment for commercial TV outlets such as MSNBC, Fox News and CNBC, Mr. McMahon said.

Mr. Gutterman says the show could bring awareness and support for PALS and people with disabilities, especially those with autism who seem to benefit so much from their furry buddies.

“When these parents get the diagnosis, they don’t know what to do; they’re shell-shocked,” she said. “If I can get people to understand that there’s help out there, then I’ve accomplished my goal.”