Thursday, October 1, 2026
When 12-year-old J.P. Impastato feels overwhelmed, June knows what to do. The service dog climbs onto J.P.’s bed at his command and lies across the boy’s body, providing the deep pressure that helps J.P. calm down.
On a recent morning, J.P., who has autism, had become overwhelmed after visiting a school he no longer attends. He went to his bedroom, and his mother, Jennifer Impastato, told June to “cover.” The dog climbed onto the bed and sprawled across J.P. Before long, he was asleep.
For the Impastato family, of Wantagh, moments like that make it clear why June is much more than a pet.
J.P. graduated on Aug. 14 from Canine Companions’ Northeast program in Medford, where he was paired with June at a ceremony marking the completion of two weeks of team training. J.P. was one of 15 students who graduated, according to John Bentzinger, a public relations manager for Canine Companions, which is headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and has chapters and training centers around the country.
The organization provides highly trained service dogs free of charge to people with disabilities. Its canine assistants learn more than 40 commands, and each dog undergoes an extensive training process before being matched with a human partner.
For J.P. and his family, the process began with an in-person interview in April. The Impastatos were placed on a waiting list, but in June they received a call from Canine Companions, which had several dogs that could potentially be a good match for J.P.
June, a young golden retriever was their third match. “She is the one who was the most perfect fit,” Jennifer said.
J.P. needed a dog that was calm and gentle. When he met June, she immediately padded over and placed her head on his lap. When J.P. hugged her, she remained calm.
“It was great,” Jennifer said. “It was really a match made in heaven ever since then.”
Laura Ann Dubecky, a senior instructor at Canine Companions who has worked with the organization for 32 years, said that June’s personality helped make the pairing successful. She is interactive, playful and eager to be around people, and has the stability and adaptability needed to work with J.P. in public as well as at home.
“She just makes them feel special,” Dubecky said.
That connection became apparent almost immediately during the two-week training period. J.P., Dubecky explained, can become overwhelmed easily, but he began seeking out June when he needed comfort. He would hug her, lie next to her and ask for her even when he was reluctant to take part in other activities.
By the end of the training, Jennifer noticed that her son had become more independent. J.P. has learned that he needs to feed June and take responsibility for her, and that he needs to clean up his bed or a couch before June is allowed on it. She has been trained to provide deep-pressure therapy, nudge J.P. when he begins to show signs of stress and retrieve items he needs. She also helps remind him of everyday tasks, such as brushing his teeth.
“Cover,” remains one of her most important commands, which, Dubecky said, involves lying across him while he is sitting or lying down. The pressure gives him a sense of security when he is anxious or overwhelmed.
“She gives me the peace of mind to know that he is going to be an extremely functional member of society and be able to go out in the world and do things on his own,” his mother said.
For Dubecky, that is the purpose of the organization's work. Canine Companions raises puppies through a network of volunteer puppy raisers, who care for and socialize the dogs during their first 18 months. The dogs then spend about six months with professional instructors, learning advanced commands before being matched with recipients.
During team training, recipients live at the organization's Medford campus for two weeks, learning how to handle, work with and care for their dogs.
On graduation day, the volunteer puppy raisers return to meet the people their dogs have been matched with, and ceremonially hand the leash to the new team.
For Jennifer, that was one of the most emotional moments of the day. She watched as J.P.'s trainer read about their family, and then June's puppy raisers, Sharon and Tom Hoioos, handed over the leash.
“It’s just a heartwarming experience,” Jennifer said.
Now June is home with the Impastatos, and for J.P., the partnership is only beginning. Whenever the world becomes overwhelming, he has a new friend who already knows exactly what he needs.
