Assistance Dog Week is this month (8-14).
Does your dog do any assistance, therapy work, or work as a service animal? (official or unofficial). Tell us about your dog- or your favorite assistant dog. What do they do? What special training did they need to have? Do you have to wear a vest?
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August 3rd, 2010 at 8:28 am
My favorite service dog is Harley, a black labrador retriever. Harley’s owner, Kevin, is a quadraplegic, and Harley provides invaluable assistance to him from opening doors, turning on lights, to picking up objects. Because of the degree of Kevin’s disability, Harley works very, very hard. Harley also recognizes those of us in the building who are his fans. Kevin graciously allows us to pet Harley on occassion, even when he is working. Kevin, works at Easter Seals, and develops programs for the disabled, so in helping Kevin, Harley helps the disabled all over the city.
I also have to mention my own black labrador, Bella, who does pet therapy. This lovely girl allows children to read to her at the library once month, never noticing the children who pet her every which way. Bella also does agility.
Bravo to all of the hard working service and pet therapy dogs.
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I do not have a service dog, but I am raising a potential service dog. My wife, Melissa and I, are puppy raisers for a national service dog organization, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). You can get info about CCI at their website CCI.org. This is “potential service dog” puppy number eleven that we have raised, six for a guide dog organization, and currently number five for CCI. We are currently raising a Golden Retriever, Fallon, that we will turn in for her advanced training in November. Yes, it is very hard to turn them in (kind of like dropping your child at college and walking away). Lots of tears !!! We often get asked how we can turn them in. If they become a working service dog, it is difficult to describe how proud you are to have a part in changing someone’s life, to give them a more independent life and a constant companion. As for the dog, I can only think of how “devastated” my own dogs are when I leave for work everyday (you all know that look in their eyes). If Fallon becomes a working service dog (we have very high hopes for her, but only about 40% of these puppies will become service dogs), I know that she will be her new handlers constant companion. She will always be by their side, working to make them happy and to give them a better life. And they get “down time” to play, fetch, etc. Do you think if you could ask these dogs, would they quite possibly describe this as something approaching their idea of a perfect life? ( I really think so). By the way, two of our own dogs are puppies that we raised that did not become service dogs. Our other dog is my agility dog, Kodiac, who believe me, would not have the temperament to be a service dog, but is my agility partner and best buddy. Also, if you think that you would be interested in raising a CCI puppy, check their website. If you can train an agility dog, you can give the love, training and socialization that a potential service dog would need.
Randy Roberts and Kodiac MX, MXJ
August 4th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
My black standard poodle, Kadie, is a registered therapy dog, and we are working toward R.E.A.D.ing dog registration. She abolutely loves children! She will pick kids out of a crowd to go meet/greet them. I see her tail start to wag, I check out what she is looking at , and she is looking at a child. I aks her if she wants to go say “Hey”, and she says “yes” by a little bark or she gets very animated. So, we have to go ask if the child would like to meet her. Ususally they agree. We visit the local Children’s Hospital twice a month, and Kadie loves to perform her tricks for everyone and let them love on her. She brings smiles and laughter to those we visit. One time we were visiting a little girl in the ICU who had a trach, so she could not talk to Kadie. But Kadie was licking her fingers and she was smiling–the nurse said to the little girl, “What a pretty smile , this is the first time I have seen you smile since you have been here!” Words cannot express the joy you feel when your dog brings love, joy, and hope to those who need it! Consider therapy work for your dog–it is awesome!
Kadie wears a HOT PINK therapy dog vest which helps to brighten ANY room! Sometimes she might wear a decorative/holiday collar, and she has some fun hats to wear for the kids as well.
She also likes to do agility–loves those contact obstacles!
Patti
August 5th, 2010 at 1:51 am
I have a wonderful Japanese Chin that I adopted from rescue when he was a year old. His parents gave him up because he “sheds”. Barlow is now 6. Barlow and I have been pet partners through Delta Society since 2005. During this time we have logged 1848 hours of volunteer work at the hospital. That does not include the countless hours that he has provided “therapy” to everyone he meets. My husband and I moved to Texas a year ago to be near our grandson (imagine that). Unfortunately, my husband became ill last July and passed away in December. During the 15 weeks that he was in the hospital, Barlow volunteered at the VA hospital in Amarillo. Before they moved my husband to ICU, Barlow stayed with him in the room on the foot of his bed. If anybody needed a nurse, they came to our room to find one. My husband got extra special care because of the therapy that he provided for them as well. We stayed at the hospitality house and he also because the “hit” over there as well. Barlow also does Agility, and Freestyle dance. While we were at the VA, Barlow and I met lots of people. We are now in the process of starting a pet therapy program for the Veterans with PTSD, and look forward to working with them. If Barlow could have a sign, it would say, “will work for food.” Pet therapy rocks – my aim in life is to be as good as my dog thinks I am.
August 6th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
My husband and I are fortunate enough to have 2 therapy dogs. I handle Katy (Corgi-mix) and he handles Jake (Beagle). For the past two years we have visited children at a sort of half-way house for children that have had to be removed from their parents for various reasons and seniors at a heathcare center. These two dogs love people in general and allow lots of hugs, petting and paw shaking on our visits. We have also taught them behaviors like “shake”, “speak”, “sit up and wave”, and the usual obedience commands to delight both the young and old. When we drive into the parking lots of the places we visit, both dogs know where we are going and can’t wait to get inside. It’s amazing, but almost every visit includes at least one very moving moment when one of the dogs inspires a reaction from a visitee that only and friendly little dog could bring about. I can’t count how many times I have taken and feeble outstretched hand and stroked Katy for a senior that was too weak to do it themselves. It brings tears to my eyes, but my heart swells with just a little more love for my gentle and caring little dog. The smiles on the children and the seniors faces makes all our time and effort worth every minute.
August 6th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
My Sammie was a therapy dog. She visited seniors in the nursing home and had children read to her at the Library. My Ani was able to get her certification, but after a few visits we decided that this just wasn’t her thing. Sammie loves kids and since we don’t have any, it was the perfect thing for her. And she was so good with them!
We got certified through Therapy Dog International. It was a modified CGC test. TDI prefered that you do not wear a vest because it interferes with petting the dog.
When you get certified through a group like Therapy Dog International, one of the main benefits is getting insurance on you and your dog during visits. There are also groups and contacts of places that request visits, so you are not totally on your own for visits and finding places to take your dog. Also, some places require that you are certified through some organization before they allow you to bring your dog in.
TDI required yearly membership dues, and that is mainly to offset the cost of insurance.
August 6th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
My Labrador retriever is not a trained service dog. He is an agility dog and my special boy. I noticed this behavior in the winter when I was taking my boots on or off. He will stand next to me and lean into me to prevent me from tipping. Now I am on crutches and he has expanded his behavior to moving other dogs out of the way, blocking them from going to the door until I get there first and standing next to me whenever I am standing up. There are four other dogs here that don’t do any of these things. He amazes me. I know there are dogs who help people who really need their help, but this is my chance to tell what my dog does all on his own.
August 6th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I have a Doberman Pinscher named D. He and I train in Agility, Obedience, Tracking and he has a Rally Excellent title. I have had Diabetes for fourty six years. When I got D at four months old. I started having him right there every time I tested my blood sugar levels. I test four times a day. When I was low and in danger of passing out. I would have him lick my skin and smell my breath. Now at four years and three months old he allerts me when I am about to have a low blood sugar episode. At night he is always on cue. I do not have much trouble during the day. At night sometimes I do need his alerts. He lickes my face like crazy to wake me up. I used to question him sometimes. Now I just get up and get some juice even before I test. He is a accurate as one could expect. Trust is a Must, especially with your dog, my buddy, D.
August 6th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Zosia is a registered therapy dog that brings cheer to patients and staff at the local Veteran’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital, and helps kids learn through the Read to the Dogs program at the public libraries. There is no specific training for the national registration, but a practical test and three observations. including visits to medical facilities. are required. Hospitals have specific requirements including orientation, getting ID badges for handler and dog, TB testing for the handler and additional supervised visits. Working with children at the library or hospital requires fingerprinting and criminal background check. As a member of Therapy Dogs, Inc. she can wear a vest (and she has a vest), although it is optional. Zosia is a nominee for the 2010 AKC ACE award for pet therapy. She was also the final winner of KRQE-TV’s Greatest New Mexican Dog contest “for her remarkable intelligence, superb athletic ability and agility, and outstanding contributions to the community.”
August 7th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
1. My Days at School
Hi, my name is Challenger. I am two years old. People have told me that I am very handsome. I try not to let it go to my head. My hair is so black it’s almost purple. My eyes are too. I go to school just like you do. I started going to school as soon as I was old enough to leave my mother. I was only 8 weeks old. I was scared at first. I missed my mother when it was time to go to sleep.
The second day of school was easier and so was the third. Soon I didn’t miss my mother quite so much. When I went to school it was in a jail. My teacher’s name was Sam. Sam taught me where to go to the bathroom and where to sleep. I learned to ring a bell to tell Sam I needed to go potty. It was great learning new things.
I got a lot of cookies every day. When I did something that Sam liked, I would get a cookie. “Cookie” became my favorite word because they taste so so so good. Sam liked me to sit. I had to sit before we could go outside and play. I had to sit before I could go up or down stairs. I had to sit before I could go in or out a door. I had to sit sit sit sit. I didn’t mind. Every time I sat I got a cookie.
After I learned to sit, then I learned to stay. This was hard. Do you learn new things that are hard? I wanted to go with Sam when she walked away. I wanted to go so bad I almost cried. Boys don’t cry so I followed Sam. Sam said, “NO! NO!” Now, I felt like crying even more. I ducked my head and sat back down. Tick Tock, Tick Tock, oh the seconds felt like days. I was so happy when Sam came back. She gave me lots of cookies. That is when I learned it was okay to stay because Sam would come back.
The days were filled with fun times with Sam. I walked everywhere with her. I even got to go into the cafeteria. It smelled so good. My tummy was rumbling. I could smell some yummy smells that I had never smelt before. Do you smell yummy smells? I started to get really happy. I watched Sam as she waited in line. With each step I sat so Sam would be happy. I couldn’t wait until it was Sam’s turn. Sam got a tray with yummy smelling food and my tail began to wag wag wag. When we got to the table Sam made me lay down under it. I did what Sam asked. Sam ate while I waited. I didn’t get any of that good smelling food. When we got back to our room I did get a cookie and that made me happy.
After Sam ate lunch we went outside to play. Sam played fun games with me. We marched like army men. I learned which way was “right” and which way was “left”. Sam told me to sit and I did. Then she told me to stay. I knew “stay” because we did this before. I was looking at Sam she was not far away. Then a little squirrel ran really fast up the tree. It looked like fun. I ran really fast to the tree. Then the squirrel ran to the next tree. So did I. I was having so much fun I did not hear Sam calling my name. Then, I heard “coooooookieeeeeeee!” I turned and ran to Sam. Sam gave me a cookie, but then the game stopped. Sam was not happy I ran fast. The next day, I was sure not to make Sam upset. I did not run fast. We played more games. Sam played tug with a rope. That was fun. Each time I tugged on the rope Sam said, “Good Boy”. Sam made me feel good. I liked being good. Sam taught me to tug hard on the rope. One day, Sam put the rope on the door. Then she said, “Tug Challenger Tug.” I tugged and tugged. The door came open. When the door came open, Sam cheered and cheered. I knew Sam was happy.
I liked school. Each day I learned something new. I love to learn. One rainy day, Sam had a bright yellow lid. I wasn’t interested. Rainy days were not fun days. We didn’t go marching down the side walk. The walk to get Sam’s lunch was cold and wet. I just laid down and closed my eyes. Just as I was starting my nap, Sam said, “Challenger, lets play.” Hmmmmmmmmm I thought the rain meant we couldn’t play. I lifted my ears and opened only one eye to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Sam stood there with the yellow lid in one hand and cookies in the other. I decided any play with cookies would be fun. I sat up and looked at Sam so I could learn the new game. Sam said, “Touch,” and she pointed to the lid. I looked at the lid. Then I looked at Sam. I didn’t know what she wanted so I sat and looked. Then Sam put a cookie on the lid and said, “Touch.” I ate the cookie. When my nose touched the lid Sam cheered and said, “Good Boy!” I liked this touch it was fun too. We played touch every day. One day, Sam pointed to this square box on the wall and said, “Touch.” I touched it with my nose and the lights went out. I looked up at the lights and then to Sam. Sam said, “Good Boy!” Then she said, “Touch.” I touched it again and the lights came back on. That was fun.
I loved being in school with Sam. She made school fun for me. Every day we learned new things and had fun doing it. Learning was so much fun I was very tired at night. I didn’t get to sleep with Sam because she had to follow many rules too. I got to sleep in my own bed that was lined up on the wall beside my brothers’ beds. My brothers were very tired at night too. Our school in the jail was fun.
2. Weekend Adventure
On the weekends, I got to go on different adventures. Sam could not go. She had to stay in jail. My weekend teacher was Donna. Donna came and picked me up every weekend. I learned to ride in a car by the front seat. The first time was very scary. Donna kept telling me it would be okay and that made it not so scary. Donna had a pretty friend for me to play with. He was golden like the sun. His name was Hamlet. Then Donna got a baby that was golden too. The baby’s name was Jazzy. She played a lot and moved very fast.
I got to meet a lot of people when I went with Donna. She would take me to good smelling restaurants. Donna let me lay down under the table while she talked and ate. I liked to hear her voice. Every time we went in to a new place, Donna would put a pretty blue vest on me. My blue vest matched my necklace. I felt proud and walked like a king when I wore my vest. I remembered all that Sam had taught me about not getting the good smelling food. I didn’t expect to get it with Donna either. We would go to the restaurant every morning.
One day we went on a long car ride. The car stopped at a big building. After Donna put my pretty vest on, we started up the steps. We went inside and there were people everywhere. We went in this square thing and the doors shut. I got close to Donna. It was scary as it moved. She told me it was okay and called it an elevator. When it stopped, we went out. I was very good with my sits. I still sat at every door and every step. I met all sizes of people. I saw very very tall people. I saw very very short people. We went into a room and it became very dark. Then there was a loud noise and lights coming from one of the walls. I could hear voices but couldn’t see anything but lights. When the room became lit again and the loud noise was gone, Donna said it was time to go. That was my first movie. I went to many more movies with Donna.
One weekend we went on a long car ride and when we stopped Donna put my pretty vest on me. I knew we were going to do something different and have a lot of fun. Do you like to do different things? I saw many people walking around in strange clothes. One man had a bow and arrow on his shoulder. Another woman wore a big dress and her little girl did too. There was a man with a paint brush there and he painted a picture of me. We saw men riding on horses and women weaving rugs. It was hot that day, but Donna brought water for me to drink. When we were on our way home, Donna told me we were at a Renaissance Festival. Then she told me I was a “Good Boy”. I knew then, I had done something good. Donna was a fun teacher to be with, she always was nice to me.
There was a party one weekend. All of my brothers were there with their weekend teachers. We got to play and swim in the river. That was so much fun. We did not have to wear our pretty vests. We played and played while our teachers laughed and had fun. There were no rules at the party. When I ran out of the river I rolled in the dirt. It felt so good. Then I played tag with my brothers. At the end of the day I was very tired and glad to go to bed at Donna’s house.
I got to go to an airport and see the big airplanes. The engines were very loud. I learned how to act in new places every time Donna took me somewhere. The airport was filled with beeps and motor cars running through the halls. I stood pretty while the officer scanned me with a beeping wand. I was nervous, but knew Donna would not let him hurt me. We spent the day going up and down the halls and in and out of different waiting rooms. I found it hard to lie down under the small chairs. I did it though and it made Donna very happy. I didn’t get on an airplane this time, we just went back to Donna’s House.
Each adventure with Donna was fun, but I still loved it when I got back to the jail with Sam. I was gaining experiences and knowledge and learning every day. I love to learn and I love to make my teachers happy.
3. Off to College
One morning I woke up and Sam was holding me tight. There were big tears in her eyes. This made me sad too. I did not like to see Sam sad. I did not know what made her sad. I looked around then just leaned up against her so she knew I cared. Then I saw a bag with all of my things in it. My tug rope was there, and my blue necklace. Sam led me out on to the grass and I saw Donna. I was confused because it was not time yet for her to pick me up. I gave Sam one last wag of the tail and left with Donna.
Donna took me back to the airport. We went in and let the officer wave his wand over me. Then we went to an area with the small chairs and waited. Soon I saw one of my brothers. I was excited to see him. I never saw him at the airport before. There was a loud noise over the speaker and soon we began walking down a long hallway that sounded hollow. We had never been on an airplane before. This was different and I began getting nervous. I was a bit older now and knew to trust Donna. I felt better because my brother was there with me. We laid down beneath the seats as the air plane began to move. Then I wasn’t sure what was happening because my ears began to hurt. It wasn’t long and there were a few bumps and we were getting ready to get off of the plain.
When we walked down the hallway, we came out at some different seats. I looked around and didn’t smell the same smells that I was used to. Different sights, sounds, and smells filled the air. We walked out of the airport and got into a different car than Donna’s. We drove for a short time and then went into a big park. There were a lot of pretty vests like mine. I began to look around and Donna introduced me to many people. That was a long day. That night we went to bed in a hotel not Donna’s house.
The next morning we woke up early and again went to the big park where everyone met. Donna introduced me to one more teacher then she had to walk away. I was sad that day, but I knew I was doing what I should. I laid down in my new bed and rested.
I soon realized that Donna was not coming back and that I was at a new school. This was a special school where I was taught to help special people. Each day I was showing everyone how well Sam and Donna had taught me. I was able to show them I could sit and turn right and left. I was proud that I knew how to stay. I showed them I could tug on a rope and turn a light on and off. I wasn’t getting cookies any more, but that was okay. I was learning how to “work.”
I was excited working each day. I tried my best. Then one day, I saw a squirrel and remembered how fun it was to run after it. I wanted to run. I did not run but I looked and looked. The new teacher did not like this. She thought that it may not be good for a blind person. Only a couple of days later, I was getting back on an airplane. When we walked down the hallway and out the door I saw Donna and was so very happy to see her. She had someone with her. Her name was Angela. I greeted nicely but was so excited to see Donna I couldn’t stop my tail from wagging.
After spending the weekend with Donna I got to go back to see Sam. Sam had tears in her eyes she was so excited to see me. Angela and Donna left me with Sam for only two weeks then they came back to take me to my forever home. A forever home is the last home I will ever live in. It is the home in which I will work.
4. My Forever Home
The two weeks I got to spend with Sam were great. I learned how to find keys. That was fun. Sam would hide the keys and I would get to find them. Sometimes she hid them under things. I would use my nose to find them. She always gave me a cookie when I brought them to her. I also learned how to “cover” someone. This was easy for me to learn and I am glad I did. When Sam would say, “Cover,” I would walk around her and stand between her and anyone coming close to her.
One morning I woke up and again Sam had tears in her eyes but she wasn’t as sad as the last time. I stood close to her and then left with Donna one last time. When I got to Donna’s car I saw Angela. Angela looked at me and I knew she was the special person I would work for. I went home to Angela’s house that night and met the people I would live with forever. There were three children that hugged on me and pet me. It made me feel good. Then I met Lance, he was the man of the house. I began working the day I got to my new home. I got a brand new purple vest and a purple necklace.
I helped Angela go to the grocery store. She had not been to the grocery store in a very long time. I was able to go with her and keep her from feeling bad. My learning was not finished when I got home. I learned how to find Lance so he could help Angela when she needed him. I also used the tug rope to get to her in the bathroom when she needs help. My favorite is opening the refrigerator and getting a bottle of water for her. She needs me every day to be happy like other people.
I am glad that I learned all my lessons in school. They were hard and it took time. I had to keep trying until I learned it well. Now I am going to college. Not for me though. Angela can go to school and make her dreams come true. I help her get through crowded hallways and I keep her calm when she is not well. I can take her to her car if she gets sick. I now go to work every day. It wasn’t always easy but I am glad I could make a difference. Just remember, try your best in school and never give up. You too can change someone’s life.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
When I was in college, one of my instructors was blind – he’d lost his sight as a young man. He had a dog, a little German Shepherd named Panda. She’d lead him around campus, take him to lecturn in front of the class, and go lay down in the corner until class was over.
Becasue she was working, we didn’t bother her. But one day the instructor came to class with out Panda. They lived in a culdesac and in the evenings Panda could go out and play with his kids, but a lost driver came around the corner and hit the dog. She was OK, but just needed a few stitches where her harness would go, so she stayed home for few days.
Unfortunately, without Panda, the instructor had to rely on us student to guide him from class to class — and the dog was much better at it. You have to learn all the signals, the stop to indicate there is a step down/up, etc.
We were glad to see Panda back becasue she was a good dog, but an sure the instructor was glad becasue she was a better guide than we were.
August 11th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
My All-American dog, Rosie, is a registered therapy dog. I found her as a 5-week-old pup on a highway out in the country. I brought her back to my house with the intention of finding her a home, but you know how that goes sometimes! She’s turned out to be a great dog. We compete in agility sometimes, but her reason for being here, I believe, is as a therapy dog. We, along with others in our group, visit nursing homes, hospitals, an adult day center, and special ed classes at local schools.
The kids can do anything with her and she tolerates it. She’s even good for letting kids “work” with her by walking her on a leash or off-leash on an agility course, giving them a chance to do an activity they may not otherwise get to have.
August 12th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
My 10 year old Yellow Lab, Libby, is a registered therapy dog. Libby loves to visit with residents in nursing homes, patients in hospitals, and also enjoys reading with children in libraries. What is so special about her story is that since becoming a therapy dog, Libby has gone completely blind. This does not stop her one bit– she is as happy as ever and doesn’t really seem to care about this “handicap.” In fact, the children Libby reads with feel that if they don’t read to her, she has no other way of reading the stories. It is really neat to watch the children, as well as everyone who comes in contact with Libby, interact with this special girl!
August 13th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
My sheltie just became certified as a therapy dog. We haven’t done any work as yet. He will be very good with the children.He can see a yellow school bus from our home ,down the road , which is 1/2 miles away.I can’t wait to start with him.He has always been great with all the kids in the neighborhood.
I also think Challenger should win.
August 15th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I own a great service dog. She was trained by Dana Stillinger. My dog wears a jacket when she’s working in public, but she does her job jacket or no jacket!
She interupts the nightmare or terror from continuing. I and my trainer didn’t teach this task.We taught her to be near me in bed when I need her, but my dog figured this one all on her own! She knew or could sense I was having trouble and needed help! Sometimes this happens multiple times during the night. Half the time I’m not aware of what’s going on. Each time my dog nuzzles and licks me until she senses or knows I’m OK.
Dana and I trained my girl to do a lot of tasks, but some the dog has taught herself.
Dana and I taught the basic obedience and socialization, and basic tasks like go on the bus and get under the seat, heel next to me, watch me (focus on me and I will focus on her to help me if I am having trouble), brace (I don’t usually use this, but occasionally I’ll put a little weight on her to help me get up) which means she stands still so I can help my self up, fetch whatever item(s) I may need, close doors, sometimes open doors, what else? Lots of things! Hard to list, rememer them all at one time!
She trained herself that when the phone rings, I go to get it. Now she brings it to me when it rings. If my alarm on my phone goes off, she brings it to me. She has learned I wake up when the alarm goes off and then get up to get it. my dog has sped that process up by bringing me the alarm!
Her best tasks, however, is the night time duties. I tend to have nightmares and night terrors. No fun! So in the midst of sleeping I’ll moan and flop around in the bed. My girly has learned that if she comes up and nuzzles me, or licks me, I stop moaning and flopping around and calm down!!!
Without her doing this, the nightmare or terror progresses until I’m scared senseless, can’t wake up easily, just hard to explain! If I manage to get awake after/during a nitemare/terror I refuse to go to sleep any time soon. But with my dog. She stops the cycle so I’m not having such trauma and then she makes it real easy to go to sleep because she makes me feel safe and comfortable and relaxes me…..
She has taken it upon herself to make sure I enter sleep very relaxed! Every night before I fall asleep, she is there watching over me. Usually with her head on my head or chest. I usually (before her) have trouble getting to bed, falling asleep (because I dread the nightmares and terrors), she has made it much more pleasant and enjoyable to go to bed. I know if something should happen, she’ll be there for me. So now I’m going to bed at a more normal and consistant time, don’t dread going to sleep, not anxious, etc
And, it’s hard not to be relaxed and happy when she is snuggling with me and resting her head on me! I now look forward to night times because I get to snuggle extra with my dog and that if I were to have trouble in the night, she’ll be there.
I used to sleep with every light in the house on. The first day I got her all lights went off, and I didn’t have trouble doing that! I knew my dog would help me as I needed. If I was scared,I didn’t need lights, I could just feel my dog on me, relaxing and reassuring me that everything is OK.
I rarely have medication side effects that make it hard to move my legs. When I’m in bed and can’t move the legs to easy, my girl comes up and lays on the legs (or paws them) and it some how works to “wake” up the legs as well as makes me not be too whatever because my legs aren’t responding very well!
I have social anxiety, but the dog clears the way for me. Instead of all the attention being focused on me, it’s focused on her. All the questions, oohs and ahhhs, are on her. It breaks the ice because I love to talk about dogs and my dog. Then I get used to the people and attention and makes it a bit easier to function.
I hardly went out (besides work and a few friends) before my dog. Too scared about possibilities of what could happen, what could go wrong, that I would have to be around people, etc. My dog paves the way. I don’t mind going out now, she’ll be there if I need anything. If I need to calm down my anxieties of being in public I just start petting her and she’ll lick me if I want to help me calm down and relax!
I also got into the sport agility because of her. I wanted her to have a fun “off duty” time as well as get me around people more. Now I love it, but at first getting out in front of so many people…that was tough!
I also have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When I start to panic or “check out” my dog nuzzles and licks me and brings me back into the present and not to panic or not as much.
I also have autism and she’ll lay on me to give me the needed pressure.
These are just the tip of the iceberg of how my girl helps me. She’s my first service dog and is wonderful! My friends that knew me before, they say it’s night and day difference from before her and now with her!
There’s so many ways, prob more I don’t even know/realize she helps me. It’s also hard to describe, put into words, how I feel, how she’s helped, etc!
I am so glad there are such things as Service Dogs.
August 15th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
hi i do not have a service dog but my 6 year old german shepard loves teaching or showing my year an half golden how to do weave poles
August 20th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Bandit is my service dog, he’s not a regular service dog because he’s not on duty a lot and gets to be a regular dog until I need him. He’s a psychiatric service dog. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that I’ve had since I was 17 when I witnessed someone burn to death trapped in a car. He’s always there if I need him and he knows when I do. He’ll come and lean against him and lay his head in my lap. On days that we’re in the back yard if he senses that something is wrong he seems to always do something goofy to make me smile. Without him I don’t know what I would do.
August 20th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I have met many service dogs and therapy dogs over the years but had never observed a “natural” alert dog.
My young Rottweiler (1 yr) alerted us to the fact that my dad (90 years old) was very ill by making the strangest squeaking noise, and would not leave him alone for 2 days…on the 3rd day my dad almost passed out and we call the EMT’s. They took him to the hospital as his potassium levels were extremely low and his pacemaker was not working correctly. When he came home the next day, she kissed his hand and went and layed down, seemingly saying “oh, your are ok now!”
Since then we watch her closely and when she is paying particular attention to someone we mark the behavior and pay attention. She is to be my new agility dog but I am not looking for someone to help me enhance her talents.
August 20th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
oops that was supposed to say NOW looking for someone to help me enhance her talents…sorry!
September 4th, 2010 at 1:42 am
How exciting that Barlow’s story won the August contest. He certainly things he is “tough stuff” now. Thanks