Giving up pal Jettis
Despite the heartbreak, 12-year-old knows his pup has a higher calling.

By PATRICK VUONG
The Orange County Register

MIDWAY CITY – Tufts of his yellow fur are no longer on the bed sheets and floor. His wagging tail no longer inadvertently whips his owners' legs.

His metal crates lie folded in the garage next to a cardboard box packed with his leashes, collars and nylon balls. A 25-pound bag of Eukanuba dog food sits half-full, ready to be given to a neighbor's pet.

These are mementos of Jettis, the golden retriever-Labrador mix that Steven Harvey raised for 14 months, then returned to Canine Companions for Independence, a national nonprofit agency that provides dogs to disabled people.

Giving up his best friend a couple of weeks ago left Steven heartbroken. But the 12-year-old knows his sacrifice is for a worthy cause.

"I was kinda sad about it," Steven said. "He's been with us for so long. But I felt good at the same time, because he's going to help somebody."

Steven himself is a living example of the good that comes when people reach out to others.

His parents adopted him when he was a 2-month-old infant with severe medical problems, including blindness of his left eye and paralysis of half his face. He still has trouble swallowing solids. His vocal chords are also partially paralyzed, making his voice sound like he has a chronic sore throat.

His mother, Kathy Harvey, said Steven doesn't think of himself as any different from other kids.

The walls of his bedroom are covered in movie posters, Los Angeles Dodgers memorabilia and autographed Kobe Bryant photos. The latter items reveal Steven's passion for basketball, which he plays daily at home and school. He also loves to blast paintballs, play his Xbox with friends and take a dip in his backyard pool when it's sizzling out.

In addition to raising Steven, Kathy and Martin Harvey have opened their Midway City home to more than 40 foster children.

That generosity has rubbed off on Steven, the only child they've adopted. For his 11th birthday, he asked not for gifts but donations for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Steven raised more than $800 and earned the Fountain Valley Mayor's Star Youth Award.

When Christmas 2002 rolled around, Kathy Harvey wanted to get Steven a special gift. She read about the Canine Companions program and couldn't resist signing up Steven, who always wanted a pet, for the training.

"I was doing homework and I basically leapt over the desk to see the dog," Steven said, recalling the excitement of Jettis' arrival at the Harvey home.

Steven and Jettis attended free weekly training sessions that taught Jettis basic obedience commands and Steven methods to reinforce those commands.

The 8-week-old puppy grew physically as quickly as he learned the basic commands. At 83 pounds, Jettis responded almost flawlessly to Steven's every order - "Sit," "Stay," "Heel."

Kathy Harvey said Jettis' only mistake was occasionally rifling through the trash: "You'd find half a Kleenex hanging from his mouth."

Easing their learning curve was professional trainer Chris Gentner, who provided private sessions. Gentner watched Steven deliver the basic commands and offered tips on how the boy could remain in control.

Also, Steven and Jettis went through distraction drills, such as holding the puppy's favorite football in front of his nose and not letting him chomp on it until Steven gave the OK.

Eventually, the yellow pup learned to sleep in a crate and remain at Steven's side. Jettis could even hold off on relieving himself until Steven gave him the command to "hurry."

"Steven was awesome - a great kid - and I'm proud to call him my friend," Gentner said. "I wish all my adult clients would listen as well and be as respectful as Steven."

A week before Jettis graduated to advanced training, he tagged along as Steven shopped for a pair of basketball shoes at Westminster Mall.

Despite the din of laughter, automated toys and shoppers wanting to pet him, Jettis remained at Steven's side - a must if the pup is to aid disabled people.

Jettis will spend the next six to nine months at Canine Companions' training facility in Oceanside to see if he qualifies to serve as an assistance dog. One out of four dogs makes the grade, organization spokeswoman Christina Carreno said.

Kathy Harvey is confident Jettis will graduate: "As long as he's sociable, mellow and doesn't get distracted, he should be fine."

If he makes the grade, Jettis could brighten his new owner's life and make everyday routines easier. For example, he could open doors or retrieve dropped keys.

If he doesn't graduate, the Harveys have the option to reclaim him, or Jettis could be offered for other public service, such as police work.

Steven knows that Jettis' failure could bring his trusted pal home. But Steven doesn't wish defeat on his pet because he knows Jettis is destined for a greater purpose.

"It makes me feel good about it," Steven said. "It helps me get over the sadness of giving him up. Hopefully, he'll help somebody."