May2015

NATIONAL PET MONTH
by Bo Salsberg
They come to you well trained in
hygiene, and trainers will explain in detail
how to care for your animal. When you
bond, they will warm you when you feel
chilled, bring a blanket, cover you up,
and wake you gently in the morning.
The most obvious that comes to mind is
a sight or guide dog to help you walk on
the outside, crossing busy streets and
watching out for traffic. But there is so
much more service animals can provide.
Your dog will walk proudly by your side
and is allowed in most public buildings,
businesses, and modes of transportation.
A service animal may accompany
you to work, movies, or shopping malls
with the proper harness and ID.
The Comfort
of a Service Animal
A
great deal can be found in the
comfort of a service animal.
Whether you need assistance in
getting around, opening doors and cabinets,
pulling a wheelchair, or getting into
bed, this might be just what the doctor
ordered. A service animal might offer
you the confidence and independence
of being a vital member of society. It
could mean the answer to traveling on
your own or simply living a more peaceful
life without being isolated.
Great strides have been made in the
development and training of canine, and
more recently, feline animals for the sole
purpose of providing stability and comfort
for the sightless, hearing impaired,
and medically or emotionally needy.
There are a multitude of loving, caring
functions these service animals are
able to perform. When you are ready to
accept one of these service dogs, it will
change your life. Consider your animal
as a working partner, not as a pet. Each
one is selected to provide a particular
service to your individual needs.
A service animal is
not a guard dog but
a companion trained
to be protective
of incidents or
accidents that
might arise.
Living in a world of silence is another
area for a hearing service animal. When
someone is speaking to you, a nip and
tug on your slacks will alert you to turn
around.
Your dog can prevent and warn you of
danger from a burglar or potential breakin
and can let you know the phone is
ringing or someone is at your door.
Animal-assisted visits in cancer treatment centers
are gaining popularity. Patients undergoing chemo or
radiation therapy can opt for some doggie face time
during treatments.
These are the service animals that need
a vest and ID cards if you are challenged
when making accommodations at a
hotel. There will be no extra charge for
their stay.
Condo associations, other housing
authorities, and airlines will accept a
doctor’s note explaining your disability
and the necessity of having a service
animal and will allow it on the premises.
This includes medical alert dogs and
emotional support or comfort animals
110
MAY 2016