Service Dog

Dogs are so amazing: their presence alone can comfort and heal.  Of course some wounds, especially those to our humanity, will never completely heal.  I’ve considered training Lila to be a therapy dog, so I can take her into retirement homes, a nearby childrens home or hospitals.   During my research, I learned that service dogs are used to help veterans recover from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  While I think this is a great cause, the dogs are placed with the veterans and I just couldn’t give up my dog. 

Service dogs go through extensive training and cannot be treated as a pet once they are placed.   The veteran and his dog must be constant companions.  The dog is never to be fed and walked by anyone other than veteran, or to be left alone.  The comfort of companionship is just one aspect of service dogs helping veterans recover from PTSD.   The veteran will need to walk their service dog several times a day, which not only provides physical benefits, but also reduces isolation.  Many veterans using service dogs have reported reduced anxieties and fears.   

A non-certified service dog may offer relief as well, but they are not recognized as service dogs or covered by the American Disabilities Act (ADA).   ADA rules cover guide dogs for blind or deaf individuals, seizure-alert, and mobility dogs trained to pull a wheelchair.  The ADA also allows public access for psychiatric service dogs if they are trained to perform a specific task.  Service dogs can be identified by their vests and dog id collars. Without proper identification, therapy dogs may be restricted from entering public spaces, including military and veteran hospitals or clinics. 

It’s important that veterans seeking a   dog know exactly what they are getting.  A certified service dog may not be the ideal solution for every individual or circumstance.  Regardless of the type of training or certification, a dog will provide unconditional love and patience.  That’s the best medicine.

Dog ID Collars