CELEBRATING SERVICE DOGS: THE HEROES OF THE DISABLED COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Every September, we celebrate International Service Dog Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the incredible contributions of service dogs worldwide. These remarkable animals are far more than just pets—in fact, they are not pets, they are highly trained professionals, loyal companions, family members, and life-changing allies to individuals with disabilities. Service Dogs play an indispensable role in our society, offering not just practical assistance but also emotional support, independence, and a sense of security to those who need them most.
The Essential Role of Service Dogs
Service Dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that mitigate their own handler's disability, enabling the person to live a more independent and fulfilling life. These tasks can range from guiding people who are visually impaired( This type of Service Dog is technically a ‘Guide Dog’ ) , to alerting individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired to important sounds, retrieving items for those with mobility impairments, or even sensing and responding to medical conditions such as seizures, certain types of cancer, and even low blood sugar levels. The spectrum of disabilities they assist with is broad, encompassing physical, psychiatric, sensory, and intellectual challenges.
For many disabled individuals, Service Dogs are like a bridge to the world around them. Service Dogs are the all important liaison. They empower their handlers to engage in everyday activities that might otherwise be impossible or unsafe, fostering a greater sense of autonomy and participation in society. The utilization of Service Dogs in many cases may also alleviate the need for usage of inanimate objects such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers and such. * Many people in the Disabled Community choose Service Dogs instead of or in addition to the use of these commonly recognized devices.
The Training Behind These Four-Legged Professionals
Service Dogs undergo rigorous and specialized training that often begins when they are just puppies. Depending on the type of Service Dog, training can last anywhere from 18 months to three years and today costs between $20,000 to $50,000 or more. The training process involves socialization, basic obedience, and task-specific commands ‘tailored to the handler’s unique needs.’ Every Service Dog is as Unique as the person they serve.
Dogs that show the aptitude and temperament for service work are carefully selected based on their intelligence, calm demeanor, and ability to thrive under pressure. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are popular choices due to their eagerness to please, intelligence, and trainability, although several other breeds can excel in the role too. We have found from personal lifelong experience that Australian Shepherds excel as Service Dogs due to their near ‘telepathic’ communication and intelligence capabilities, adaptability, need to have a ‘job’, and high interest in pleasing their people. As we have mentioned in our other articles on Service Dogs, no matter what type of service work the dog will do, it is crucial to have the dog trained in Basic Obedience as well as some Intermediate Obedience, and socialization in a home setting and in as many different social/public settings as may make sense for the dog and his/her person. It is oftentimes challenging to do this and make sure the dog is safe and accepted while in training and even after they are fully trained. * Please be empathetic and understanding when you see Service Dogs, Service Dogs in Training. Remember, they are kind, compassionate, highly skilled trained living breathing beings, not robots.
* If the Service Dog and their person will not be flying on airplanes, riding on commuter trains, it may not make sense to train the dog for these types of settings. If the pair will be traveling, exposed to different situations, cultures, environments, climates, then it would make sense to train the dog for them. Many times, just as with their human counterparts, dogs including Service Dogs will learn some of these adaptations as they go and gain necessary experience along the road of life. By ensuring that they have all of the necessary ‘Basics’ down as far as training goes, they can feel more sure of themselves in many upcoming situations; new or everyday.
A Bond Beyond Words
The bond between a Service Dog and their handler is one of unparalleled trust, love, and mutual respect. This relationship goes far beyond the standard pet-parent dynamic. For many handlers, their service dog is not just a helper but a constant companion and a source of emotional support. The deep connection shared between them often helps alleviate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, which can be prevalent in the disabled community.
Service Dogs also play a critical role in bridging social gaps. * Their presence often invites positive interactions, where people who might otherwise be hesitant to engage with someone with a disability feel more comfortable striking up a conversation. In this way, Service Dogs help dismantle barriers, fostering greater understanding and empathy within our communities all over the world.
Celebrating International Service Dog Month
International Service Dog Month, originally created by animal advocate Marcie Davis in 2009, is a time to educate the public about the vital role of Service Dogs and to celebrate these unsung heroes. Throughout September, various organizations host events, fundraisers, and public awareness campaigns to honor service dogs and the work they do. It’s also a time to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by the service dog community, such as access issues, discrimination, and the need for more widespread public education about service dog etiquette.
Why Service Dogs Matter to Everyone
While Service Dogs are invaluable to their handlers, their impact extends far beyond the disabled community. For those who encounter service dogs, whether at work, in public places, or within their own families, these animals serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and capability of people with disabilities. They challenge societal perceptions of disability and promote a culture of inclusion, respect, and compassion.
Furthermore, Service Dogs embody qualities that inspire all of us—loyalty, courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. They remind us of the profound connection between humans and animals and the positive impact this relationship can have on our lives.
How You Can Support Service Dogs and Their Handlers
There are many ways to show support for service dogs and their handlers during International Service Dog Month and beyond:
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the different types of service dogs, the tasks they perform, and the laws that protect their rights. Share this knowledge to help others understand the importance of these dogs and the need for respectful interactions.
Respect Their Work: When you see a service dog in public, remember they are working and should not be distracted. Always ask for permission before approaching or petting a service dog. * It may help to think of the situation like this: Would you just walk right up or allow your kids to walk right up to a stranger with a visible disability and touch their cane, wheelchair, walker, or other inanimate assistance device?… Probably not. So, since many people with Disabilities CHOOSE to utilize the services of a service dog rather than a medical device you wouldn’t just walk right up and touch them or interrupt their day. * Btw, most disabilities are Invisible, like autoimmune conditions, heart conditions, cancer, and so on, so don’t just ‘assume’ that if a person has a Service Dog that they are only for those who have Visible disabilities. * Also, please respect the long hard work, intense and specialized training, time, expenses, emotions of training and working with a Service Dog and don’t be one of those people who go buy a ‘Fake’ Service Dog vest and gear just so that you and your pet dog can get into places only highly trained Service Dogs have access to. You could be putting yourself and your undertrained pet in a precarious or even dangerous situation by exhibiting this irresponsible behavior.
Support Organizations That Train Service Dogs: Many non-profits provide Service Dogs to those in need at little or no cost. Donations, volunteering, and spreading the word about these organizations can make a significant difference.
Advocate for Accessibility: Support policies and businesses that make public spaces more accessible for individuals with disabilities, including those who rely on Service Dogs.
Celebrate and Share Stories: We welcome and encourage you to Share your stories of Service Dogs and their handlers to help raise awareness and appreciation for the incredible work these animals do. * Click on our Guest Goddess Tab and submit your stories!
International Service Dog Month is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to recognize, honor, respect, and support the incredible partnership between Service Dogs and their handlers. These dogs embody the best of humanity, demonstrating daily what it means to be loyal, brave, and selflessly dedicated to others. As we celebrate these extraordinary animals, let us also commit to fostering a more inclusive world where the contributions of service dogs and their handlers are respected, valued, and cherished by all.
