National Service Dog Month

Even though September is over, it is important to note that September is National Service Dog Month, a time marked to pay tribute to the animals who support Americans with special training to help with people dealing with vision impairment, medical and mental health issues and many other areas. Service dogs are specially trained animals working with people with medical issues as helpers and as therapy, and have special legal protections to allow both dog and owner to be in places where there is otherwise a no animals policy or not pets policy.

Service dogs should not be confused with untrained comfort animals or house pets. While pets, service dogs and comfort animals may be beneficial for their owners, only the service dog receives protection (and access) under the law in places where most pets and some comfort animals are not permitted.

A service dog is trained for as long as two years at an expense that can reach as high as $40,000. There is no single type of service dog for all medical issues. There are dogs trained to help the visually impaired, those with PTSD, to help people with epilepsy, and much more. The training for service dogs varies depending on the emphasis. Medical alert dogs will have different skill sets than those who assist people with unrelated medical issues. There is no single breed of preferred service dog. They can be large or small, they can be especially bred for service or they can be sourced as rescue dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, there is no standardized certification for these animals but there are requirements the animals must meet in order to function above the level of pets or untrained comfort animals. The official site for the American Kennel Club reminds its visitors that service dogs are subject to protections under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA guidelines make a clear distinction between pets (who have no formal training as service animals) and service dogs (who do have specific training).

As a time meant to raise awareness of both the dogs themselves and the need for them, National Service Dog Month calls attention to a variety of organizations and efforts to promote the use and acceptance of service animals in America. People can help observe the month by supporting those who train and place these animals with those who need them. They include Guide Dogs Of The Desert but also many others including:

• Patriot Paws
• Animal Farm Foundation
• Mission K-9 (placement for retired service dogs)
• Canines Companions for Independence
• Canines for Disabled Kids
• Guide Dogs of America
• Best Friends Animal Society

         Many organizations like these are non-profit or not-for-profit and can use all the help they can get including volunteer efforts, financial assistance and (where applicable) even leads on new animals, partnerships or opportunities to raise awareness of the special relationships between the owners and the animals. These organizations often seek out partnerships with local businesses, government and other civic-minded organizations. Anyone interested in supporting in this way can contact directly the agency that they wish to help out.

Blake Hyfield is the post service officer for the local VFW and American Legion posts. He can be reached at bhpegleg@yahoo.com.