1.
Why do you
have a service dog?
2.
Where can I
get one of those?
3.
You don’t
look disabled.
4.
What do I
have to do to get one of those labs?
5.
How
expensive are those?
6.
Are you
going blind?
7.
Are you
training this dog?
8.
Can you
bring him into this store/church/restaurant?
9.
I should
have brought my animals too!
10. Can I pet
him?
(yes, these are all things actually said!)
Most
of us think of service dogs as a blind person’s companion. But, wonderfully,
man’s best friend has proven to be a powerful partner for people with other
disabilities.
I
know an autistic boy who has his service dog tethered to him 24/7 because the
child runs dangerously away from his home. The dog lays on him when he gets up
suddenly or as he tries to leave the front door, until the proper command is
given.
The
service dog is not a pet. A service dog is intentionally separated from other
dogs to prevent the natural canine pack mentality, which would divorce the dog
from his master. Once the dog has begun to learn and adapt to his role, then “puppy
socializing” begins in small doses – such is the methodical and painstaking
process.
Another
service dog helps a person with multiple daily seizures. The service animal
anticipates a seizure and alerts the owner so that safety precautions can be taken
quickly.
And, more Veterans are
thankfully utilizing service dogs as part of their return from a combat zone.
With hand signals, the animal companion provides emotional support and comfort,
even applying deep pressure therapy (via paws) as owner’s anxiety rises - an
excellent grounding technique.
Service
dogs are highly trained, as is the human, with an average cost of
$10,000 per dog. Some recipients of a service companion personally fund raise for its' purchase, then wait
patiently for the perfect dog, one that matches their exact needs and temperament. The two are trained together, in unison. It is a lengthy and complex process.
For
many persons, walking around with a service dog is an “outing” that feels
embarrassing and uncomfortable, “people will know." The service dog experience in itself can be an
emotional and challenging time, until the comfortability catches up with the
relief and assistance the dog can ultimately provide.
Service
dogs have categories as well and can be referred to as Medical Alert Dogs,
Psychiatric Service Dogs or Emotional Support Dogs.
Do not to ask to pet the dog. The human/companion dyad are a symbiotic pair, sharing 24 hours,
7 days a week together. View the animal is a physical and mental extension of the person.
More helpful info.
