In Netflix's reality docuseries Canine Intervention, viewers see Jas Leverette transform the lives of dogs and their humans. With his unique ability to see the emotional needs and insecurities underlying a dog's less-than-desirable behaviors, Jas turns even the most unruly dogs into loving and obedient pets. Whether he's training three-legged pit bull Lady Macbeth, who was on her last strike after biting three humans, or the emotional support animal Heaven, Jas knows how to boost communication between canines and people.
When it comes to being an emotional support dog, Heaven was really only doing half of her job. Initially, she was added to the family to support Andrew, who is the youngest of four brothers. The 12-year-old was experiencing a lot of anxiety. His three older brothers were his supportive father figures, but two were away, serving in the Air Force. Andrew was already worried about their safety, so when it came time for Andrew's last brother at home to get ready to go off to college, Andrew felt seriously scared and alone.
Andrew's counselor talked to his mom Sylvia and suggested that she bring home an emotional support dog to help Andrew through this tough transition. Happy to oblige, Sylvia brought home a Maltipoo puppy. The canine was named Heaven because she looked like a celestial cloud. Andrew fell in love with the adorable dog immediately.
As Heaven grew up and turned into the 1-year-old wild child seen on the show, it became abundantly clear that she wasn't going to be able to support Andrew outside the house. She couldn't do tricks and was anything but obedient. She didn't walk well on a leash and got loose once. Heaven ran out into the street, where she was almost hit by a vehicle.
When celebrity dog trainer Jas Leverette arrived, he noticed something immediately. He observed that Sylvia was very excited to have a "daughter," and treated Heaven like a baby girl, going so far as to dress her up in little pink dresses. For one walk, Sylvia would dress Heaven in booties and bring along a pet carrier, dog bag, and stroller. She let Heaven stay on dry grass because the dog didn't enjoy walking on wet grass.
Heaven was a spoiled pooch. She had the run of the house and the family was happy to indulge her whims. No one could control her until Jas, who believes there are no "bad dogs," talked with Andrew and helped him to step up and be a pack leader for his pet. This helped Andrew to get the emotional support he needed from his dog.
After some basic training (minus the baby booties), Heaven and Andrew become a team. Jas also helped Sylvia see how the way she treated Heaven was sending the dog mixed messages. Heaven still doesn't do any tricks, but thanks to Canine Intervention, the pooch is on her way to fulfilling all her emotional support animal duties. Maybe Andrew will become a dog trainer someday.
Canine Intervention is now streaming on Netflix
