Certify Your Service Dog

SERVICE DOG IN POST OFFICE

2011-08-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

Post offices are federal buildings and Federal Law prohibits “dogs” in post offices. However, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), creates an exception for your Service Dog.

Recently, a Service Dog was denied access in a FL P.O. because it did not appear to be a service dog in any official capacity. WRONG. Any dog trained to assist a disabled person IS considered a Service Dog by the ADA. Service Dogs are not limited to people who are seeing and hearing impaired.

Have you had an uncomfortable experience taking your Service Dog in public places? Remember, having your “Public Access Cards” on hand may save the day. The laws are clear and they are on YOUR side!

* Article recommends Service Dog Certification and wearing Service Dog Identification

http://www.ehow.com/info_8570302_post-office-rules-dogs.html

Nightmare! Danger for Dogs in Airline Cargo Holds

2011-07-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

What a horrific thing to even consider... that your beloved pet might suffer horrible conditions and ultimately die on an airline flight. And yet, the Dept. of Transportation recently reported that 122 dogs have died in airline cargo holds since 2005 - with an additional 88 lost or injured.

Most, but not all of the dogs that died were short-muzzled breeds such as, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers & Shitzhu’s, just to name a few. With a reduced nasal passage, these dogs are less capable of cooling themselves though breathing. Their airway can actually collapse (partially or completely) under extreme stress. The situation worsens if your dog is elderly and/or overweight or obese.

Even if you plan carefully and everything goes as planned, air travel is frightening and stressful for a dog. And, you often can't cope with problems as they come up because you and your dog are separated during those critical times.

The SOLUTION is simple: Certify your service dog so that they can fly with you in the cabin, for FREE!

Visit www.CertifyYourServiceDog.com for more details.

photo from The Daily Puppy 7-31-11

Visiting a National Park this summer?

2011-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

You may be visiting a National Park this summer. Do you take Fido? You may... but consider these situations before you make your decision - and call ahead for any other particulars.

At national parks and at other federal sites, Service Dogs are not considered pets, so regulations governing their presence are far less restrictive. Some parks, however, may require you to register these animals upon your arrival.

The standard policy in most national parks is that pets are only allowed near campgrounds and visitor centers, not on trails or in backcountry.

They must be leashed at all times and pet leashes may be no longer than six feet in length. When a loose pet chases an animal like a squirrel or a raccoon, the wild animal's ability to survive is threatened, and when it is threatened, it may react aggressively. Also, in some cases, unleashed dogs have been injured or killed by large wildlife.

Pets may not be left unattended, tied or physically confined. Unattended pets have been known to attract a lion and result in the loss of your pet. At Theodore Roosevelt NP, the warning is "bison and pets do not mix."

If you do find yourself at a National Park with your Service Dog, keep one thing in mind... dog food is also bear food! Store your dog food as if it were human food.

Touching Stories About Assistance Dogs

2011-05-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Two Plus Four Equals One... a brand new BOOK full of touching stories and poems about disabled people and their assistance dogs - where neither partner is perfect, but both together add up to one extraordinary union.

Writer/Editor, Kathy Nimmer

"True, vibrant, honest, and emotional, eliciting compassion, joy, sorrow, and love, promoting understanding, acceptance, awareness, and hope..."

Purchase this book at www.servicedogstories.com or at Amazon.com.

We would love you to share your favorite story.

PET ALLERGIES? Try Panty Hose on the Nose!

2011-04-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and so have pet allergies!

Symptoms of allergies in dogs include: itching, rubbing, head shaking and leg licking. Some canines may also experience painful skin and ear infections. The good news is... there are treatments! Don't let your Service Dog suffer any longer. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pooch may be suffering from allergies.

Note: Probably the most creative solution I have heard of is a home-made "muzzle" made from panty hose! Stopped the sneezing and itching almost instantly!

What does my Service Dog need to wear?

2011-03-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require that service animals wear any type of identification in order to be protected under the ADA laws.

HOWEVER, visible identification of some sort, such as a Certified Service Dog Patch sewn on a vest, sweater, bandana or even a carrier, does put people at ease and usually provides a hassle-free experience for everyone.

“ID Tags” are not recommended because they aren't recognizable from a distance and most people are intimidated if they have to lean in close to view it.

When your Service Dog is sporting some kind of clear identification, life is just better...

Are You Disabled? Probably...

2011-02-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Shocking News! The majority of Americans today are considered disabled according to The Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA defines "disability" as, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as reading, bending, communicating, concentrating, etc.

Disabilities may be visible or invisible.

Some impairments are episodic or in remission, such as Epidemic Seizures. Those, too, are disabilities if it would limit a major life acitivity when active.

SERVICE DOGS to the rescue! Certify your service dog so that your constant companion is there for you when you need him/her.

For more information, visit: www.ada.gov.

Don't Give In to Those Big Brown Eyes...

2011-01-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

Shame, even Service Dogs experience the "Christmas Curse" of gaining extra weight during the holidays. We all let down just a little... perhaps less activity, perhaps more treats. Just remember, saying "no" to unhealthy and/or excessive treats (combined with regular exercise) will enhance your Service Dog's life immensely. Reward them with loving care so that they will be healthy and able to serve you, for a lifetime!

NOTE: Dogs carrying extra pounds place excessive demands on virtually all of their internal organs. Disease, and sometimes death, are the potential consequences of carrying extra pounds for an extended period of time.

So, don't give in to those big brown eyes!

Impt Changes in Laws 2010

2010-12-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

Heard about the changes in the ADA laws, July 23, 2010? Actually, they don't go into effect until MARCH 15, 2011. The DEFINITION of "Service Animal" was revised to recognize DOGS ONLY. In the past, many other species of animals were accepted as legitimate service animals, including Pot Belly Pigs!!

In Celebration of Veterans - K9 Makes History

2010-11-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner!

This is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord Military Base in Washington. He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. In this photo, Brutus is running toward some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away!

Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year (2009) from his tour in Iraq. His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'. The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor.

With appreciation to all the Military people and animals who serve our great country, with courage!

Remember, dogs can't do a lot of things for themselves so they depend on you to make their life a quality one!

Don't Leave Your Dog Behind! Be Prepared for Unexpected Emergencies.

2010-10-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Unexpected fire, flooding, earthquake, tornado... any of these unforeseen disasters can turn your world upside down in a split second. ONLY "Service" Dogs can accompany you to emergency shelters. (No "pets" allowed!)

Be prepared! Certify Your Service Dog Today... so you won't have to leave your canine companion behind. www.CertifyYourServiceDog.com

Keep in mind, the shelters are not equipped to "care" for your dog. Be sure you have at least 3 days supply of dog food, water, record of vaccinations, medications, leash and ID Tag. For a complete list of helpful preparations, the American Red Cross has printed a booklet entitled, Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities. Go to: http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/Fast%20Facts/Disaster_Preparedness_for_PwD-English.pdf

Invisible Disabilities - Service Dogs Help!

2010-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Invisible Disabilities are becoming more prevalent every day. Stress-related disorders are on the rise due to the world economy, personal crisis, and millions of Veterans returning from war with emotional trauma and scars. Doctors are beginning to recognize that "four-legged" medicine may provide better relief than that of prescription medicines.

Jane Miller is a Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Worker and dog trainer who is using her skills to not only help the mentally ill, but also help returning veterans dealing with the scars of war. Those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often find it difficult to return to normal life. Miller helps them train a dog, usually one rescued from a shelter, to help them deal with their disability.

The dogs can be trained to alert to panic attacks, nightmares, obsessive compulsive behavior, even eating disorders - sometimes by simply "tugging on their leash" to get their handler's attention refocused and help them through their psychological episode.

Watch this super interesting news clip: http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=621090819001

Heard of a Psychiatric Service Dog?

2010-08-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Panic attacks can happen without any warning. Sandra first started having panic attacks in 2002. She feared going into public and interacting with people. Sandra lived an isolated and tormented life. Then, in 2003 Sandra acquired a trained service dog (Poodle) that was taught to recognize changes in her breathing, perspiration or scent that indicated an imminent panic attack. When “Shag” senses this change, she nudges Sandra and licks her hand, reassuring her and calming her until she is stabilized. Being accompanied by a service dog allows people like Sandra to live a more normal life.

FACT: Psychiatric Service Dogs are a new generation of animals trained to help people whose suffering is not physical, but emotional.

Welcome!

2010-07-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Guide dogs have been used for nearly a hundred years working with visually & hearing impaired people. Recently, the relationship between humans and canines has taken a huge leap forward. Researchers are now discovering how this relationship can be further developed to work with a much broader range of disabilities to include illnesses such as anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, autism, PTSD, depression, epilepsy, and more. These new heroes are called Service Dogs and they provide remarkable service, nothing less than amazing!

Let’s hear your stories!!