I watched a show on GPB, “Through a Dogs Eyes“, all about Canine Assistants, a wonderful non-profit organization who trains and provides dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs.
In addition to physically assisting those with disabilities, Canine Assistants Service Dogs are instrumental in removing many of the barriers faced by the disabled in today’s society. I was extremely moved when I read the story of the founder Jennifer Arnold. Make sure to check out Jennifer’s book Through A Dogs Eyes on my Amazon Wish List!
Canine Assistants trains Service Dogs, Companion Dogs and Seizure Response Dogs.
Canine Assistants trains Service Dogs, Companion Dogs and Seizure Response Dogs.
A Service Dog assist children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs in many ways. They perform a variety of tasks like turning on lights, retrieving dropped objects, opening and closing doors as well as providing secure companionship. This was such a sweet and simple answer to a question asked of a recipient… “What do you like most about your dog?” “My dog makes my wheelchair disappear“.
A Companion Dog is much like the Service dog, but primarily works in a recipient’s home, assisting with tasks around the house and more importantly, contributing to the emotional well being of their person.
A Seizure Response Dog is first trained much like the Service or Companion dogs to ensure their general health, personality and temperament is sufficient. Then they go through response training to provide one of the following behaviors, depending on the need: remain next to the person during the course of the seizure, summon help or retrieve a phone prior to the seizure as instructed by their person. Some even develop the ability to predict and react in advance to an oncoming seizure.
Remember that these types of dogs are working animals, not really pets. The health and safety of their owner may depend on the dog’s ability to focus and resist distraction. It is important not to speak to one of these dogs without first getting permission. Even if the dog doesn’t appear to be working, it probably is. Always ask first.
Check out Canine Assistants today and learn more about the wonderful people who volunteer locally and nationally, the gracious supporters, their educational programs, and their never ending need for donations to continue helping as many people as possible.
Remember that these types of dogs are working animals, not really pets. The health and safety of their owner may depend on the dog’s ability to focus and resist distraction. It is important not to speak to one of these dogs without first getting permission. Even if the dog doesn’t appear to be working, it probably is. Always ask first.
Check out Canine Assistants today and learn more about the wonderful people who volunteer locally and nationally, the gracious supporters, their educational programs, and their never ending need for donations to continue helping as many people as possible.
Find out how to apply for a Canine Assistants Dog here.
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