Our Friend Joe and his Giant Schnauzer Assistance Dogs

Mattie (in blue vest) and Preston are Joe's current assistance dogs, still in training.  They were helped along by mentors Tia and Bravo, who were very popular everywhere they accompanied Joe for years.  See below for tributes to both Tia and Bravo.

Tia  2-20-1992 to 2-3-07
With Joseph Minskoff she was certified through Canine Support Teams for 8 years; passed her service dog testing at Palm Springs Airport just prior to 9/11.  Tia's Mom and Dad were both finished champions and her Mom lived to to 14.5 years.

Bravo  3-5-1994 to 4-19-2006
Bravo's Mom was Champion Masterpiece and he was Champion Stylus Standing Ovation.
Never certified as an assistance dog, but worked beautifully with Joseph Minskoff for 12 years and even did therapy work with children at one of the hospitals in the Los Angeles area.