Not Just Another Pretty Face...
OK, yes, they are adorable, cute, and cuddly. They do have that puppy breath thing going on. In addition to being blessed with those good looks, some of them are destined for greatness.
Four of these babes are joining the ranks of many Labrador Retrievers (and a few other breeds). At Your Service will not only be part of their names, but also a large part of their reason for being.
One day not long after they are 18 to 24 months of age, after being raised and trained by dedicated people paid and volunteer, they will be partnered with someone who needs them. The service dog organization as the vest says is, Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma, LLC. Therapetics has placed service dogs with people of all ages and for many reasons, veterans to school children.
Puppies are tested and then placed in a puppy raiser home. It takes very special people to give of their time, to keep up with the demands of training, and to give up some sleep for the first few weeks to months. And of course to lose their heart to a dog they will have to let go to make another persons life more independent and whole.
Once a dog reaches a certain point in their training they may need to be moved to an advanced trainer home. Training is done and the grown service dog is placed with their partner. Team training begins so the dog and partner can get to know each other and learn to work together. It takes $14,000 to raise and train a service dog, and worth every cent. The people that receive these dogs never pay a fee.
No, of course they cannot read a clock, but they know when their partners need them, sometimes before those partners even know it themselves.
*Service Dogs are specially trained dogs that assist people with physical disabilities, as opposed to guide dogs (which help the visually impaired) and hearing dogs (which help the hearing impaired).
*Service Dogs may be trained to pull a wheelchair, turn light switches on or off, help pull doors open, retrieve dropped articles, provide stability while the owner transfers from the wheelchair to a car, open and close drawers, or other tasks specific to the owner's unique needs and situation. And always unconditional love and companionship.
I feel very privileged to know all the people and dogs of Therapetics.
How do I know them? I get to take their pictures!!!
You can also find more information on Assistance Dogs @ www.adionline.org
Mrs. Michaels please step away from the petfinder! :o)
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Comments
I really enjoy reading your blog thanks for the laughs and the knowledge that I am not alone in some of the things I am dealing with...