Wood-Mode Collaborates with Susquehanna Service Dogs in KBIS Show Strategy

Wood-Mode, the leader in fine custom cabinetry, will showcase an ongoing partnership with Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) with what is sure to be one of the more unusual booth presentations at the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). From January 20-22 at booth #N1752, Wood-Mode will host four service dogs and their handlers that will be on hand to demonstrate the newest lifestyle concept – the Pet Parlor.

The Pet Parlor concept was launched in fall 2014. While the name may conjure images of entire rooms dedicated to pampering the family shih tzu, this concept relies more on functional additions to a utility or mud room designed with the pet in mind. Wood-Mode first partnered with Susquehanna Service Dogs in production of a concept video casting SSD Midge, a three-year-old yellow Labrador, to demonstrate the features of the Pet Parlor. For example, drawers with built in dog bowls, large utility sinks for bathing and grooming, as well as ample storage for food, toys and brushes.

“Casting a service dog was a great experience. She was highly trained which made production much easier and we were glad to bring awareness to this very worthy program,” said Jeff Wolfe, Director of Marketing at Wood-Mode.

Vegas, Baby!

When the Wood-Mode design team made the decision to incorporate the Pet Parlor as part of its KBIS booth design, the dogs were again called to duty. All three days of KBIS, show attendees can see first-hand the result of the training that the dogs receive as they are prepared to work with individuals with various emotional and physical disabilities. Two adult service dogs and two puppies (in training) will demonstrate their ability to retrieve items, open drawers and generally negotiate situations such as large crowds of people. Their professional handlers and SSD volunteers can answer questions about the dogs, the program and the children and adults they serve.

Additionally, showgoers who are participating in the #KBISSelfie social media program will have a chance to also build awareness for SSD and support the organization financially.  Wood-Mode will donate $5 for each person who posts a selfie with the dogs at the show and includes #KBISselfie AND @woodmode in their post.

The Next Generation of Luxury

While the four service dogs are packing for their trip to Vegas, Susquehanna Service Dogs recently announced the birth of eight new Labrador retriever puppies. As part of the ongoing partnership, SSD bestowed the honor of naming the new litter to Wood-Mode. Keeping with the theme of luxury, the Wood-Mode litter includes: Hermes, Coco, Dolce, Tiffany, Royce, Louis, Coach, and Marcus. Watch the new pups’ growth via webcam here: https://www.keystonehumanservices.org/susquehanna-service-dogs/puppy-cam-wood-mode-litter.php#

About Susquehanna Service Dogs

Susquehanna Service Dogs is a program of Keystone Human Services that raises and trains services dogs to assist children and adults with disabilities to become more independent. Since its founding in 1993, the organization has placed over 230 service dogs with individuals with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. Additional facts about SSD:

• It typically has 75-100 puppies in training with puppy raisers.
• SSD is and an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. Susquehanna Service Dogs uses specifically bred dogs that come from its own breeding program or, other assistance dog organizations.
• Each dog is trained in specific tasks according to their partner’s needs. A service dog can open and close doors, retrieve various items, pull a manual wheelchair, find the phone, do balance work, turn light switches on and off and much more. Specialized hearing dogs are additionally trained to respond to different sounds, which include a knock, the doorbell, oven timer, alarm clock, telephone and the person’s name.
• Many know service dogs (guide dogs) for the support roles they play for the blind and visually impaired. Service dogs can be trained to support men, women and children with a variety of disabilities. They can assist individuals with spinal cord injuries, polio, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, stroke and similar disabilities. Some dogs can be trained to support individuals with psychiatric disorders and children and adults with autism. Hearing dogs assist people with hearing impairments.
• Once a dog is places, SSD provides follow-up sessions on a regular and as-needed basis, and all of working service dog teams must pass an annual recertification evaluation.
• The cost of training and placing each service dog or hearing dog is approximately $25,000 coupled with literally thousands of volunteer hours.

About Wood-Mode, Inc.

Wood-Mode, Inc., founded in 1942, is the nation’s largest manufacturer of custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths and other rooms throughout the home. The company is proud to note that its 70+ years in business have all been family owned and operated and is a complete Made in America operation. Its products are marketed through a network of over 600 independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada. www.wood-mode.com

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