Magic, a 13-month-old Labrador retriever, has more than fetch and taking walks in his future.
Adopted at 10 weeks by the Nitzberg family of Glencoe, Magic is being groomed to be a canine assist dog.
Magic will learn to open doors, turn on lights, and pick up crutches, a book or even a dime. He will alert his owner to a smoke alarm or act as a brace to help after a fall.
Vivian Nitzberg, along with her husband, Stanley, and sons Levi, 16, and Jacob, 19, became foster parents to Magic as part of the Paws With a Cause program. The organization places 150 animals a year to be canine assist dogs to the disabled or hearing impaired. The puppies stay with foster families for 14 to 18 months and get 6 months of professional training before being placed.
In addition to taking weekly puppy classes, the Nitzbergs put on Magic’s Paws With a Cause vest and take him to stores and the library, and on bus rides.
Vivian Nitzberg said that with his vest, Magic becomes “Magic Man.” He has learned to walk slowly by a cart in the grocery store, to wait before entering a doorway and to sit quietly at her feet.
Recently the family received the letter they have been dreading, saying it will soon be time for Magic to leave.
“We all cried,” Nitzberg said.
The family will take Magic to Michigan in October.
“He has a higher purpose in life,” said Nitzberg. “He is meant to help someone and not just be a pet. He will do magical things for someone.”
