How Service Dogs Quietly Serve Humanity

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We see service dogs often on the streets and in public buildings, but only have a vague idea about how much they help the people who rely on them to live fairly independent lives.Service dogs can fetch items, bring them to their owners, figure out how to walk through narrow areas, and take public transport. They are viewed as an aid to a person with a disability, but usually not as pets.

Heroic Dogs

There are many amazing stories of how these dogs have acted in remarkably heroic ways.They’ve revived their owners when they fell unconscious, fetched out-of-reach things like a phone book during an emergency, and even summoned neighbors to rescue their unconscious or immobilized owners.

Huffington post covered a fascinating story about Jet, whose handler, Jessica Crowley of Leigh, England, is legally blind:“The 28-year-old was walking across a car park (aff) entrance with her son Jacob in a stroller, when a car came racing towards the trio, the Bolton News reports. The black Labrador, who's been a guide dog for 5 years, sprung into action, escaping her owner's grip to push Jacob's stroller out of harm's way.”

Recognizing Service dogs

Service dog vests help owners take service dogs to places like restaurants or airports where dogs may not otherwise be allowed.These vests are particularly helpful when they clearly identify the animal with labels like “Service Dog, Full Access,” “Therapy Dog, Please Pet Me” or “Emotional Support Animal, E.S.A.” In fact, in some cases, a leash or tether can interfere with a dog doing its job.

In some places, like crowded international airports, the vests make it easier for security personnel to identify service dogs without forcing the handler to explain why they are traveling with a dog.

Workers, Not Pets

Dog owners often have to discourage people who want to pet their dog. This is because service dogs are highly trained workers, capable of performing a wide range of tasks for the owner. They may, for example, be trained to help someone with PTSD or assist with fetching things like keys or canes. Treating them like pets is a little like trying to start a casual conversation with a busy person in the middle of an important job.

Intense Training, Starting As Puppies

It takes a long time to train an animal to do certain tasks; this is usually an average of 18 months at an estimated cost of $25,000. In fact, the training may start as early as 2 (aff)-days-old with neuromuscular stimulation exercises. Dogs are trained in a variety of skills, from learning how to follow commands to how to ride on a bus without getting frightened.

Service Dogs Choose Handlers

Interestingly enough, the dogs choose which human they want to work with rather than the other way around. Potential dog owners are screened through personality tests, and then during two-week training camp exercises, dogs interact with families and approach the person they would like to work with.

Popular Breeds

Although any breed of dog can be a service dog, the most suitable are golden retrievers, labradors, and labrador mixes. These dogs have certain breed characteristics that make them wonderful service dogs. One, for example, is that they love to fetch things. In addition, dogs like golden retrievers are more popular, which makes it easier for them to help their handlers.

Suspect Breeds

Some dog breeds are viewed with suspicion by legislators, although this may not always be warranted. One breed, for example, that has got a bad rap is pit bulls. They are considered too aggressive to be good service dogs.

However, Elle, a pit bull, acquired national fame for cuddling up to elementary school children when it was time for storytelling. In fact, in 2013, Elle, then 5 years old, won an award. Today.com reports: “Elle's efforts earned her the honor of being named the 2013 American Hero Dog by the American Humane Association, beating out other finalists who had their own tales of heroism — like Carlos, an explosive detector dog (EDD) who worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, and John D, a rescue dog who uses his scenting capabilities to detect cancer in patients.”

Assist With Many Disabilities

While many service dogs have attained fame for some heroic act or even won awards for some outstanding service for humanity, most service dogs quietly go about their work making a huge difference for their handlers. They use their special skills to help people with diabetes, mental illness, seizures, ambulatory issues and PTSD go about their regular lives without requiring a nurse.

Lisa Martin

In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.

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