International Assistance Dog Week is being celebrated coast to coast August 5-11
International Assistance Dog Week is being celebrated coast to coast August 5-11
Credits:
livingwithcerebralpalsy.com
International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability related limitations.
To recognize and promote awareness of these dogs, Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 35 years and CEO of Davis Innovations, a consulting firm based in Santa Fe, NM, established International Assistance Dog Week.
This year, the initiative is taking place from August 5-11, 2012.
Man has domesticated several species of animals. Since prehistoric time, every breed or species of the animal kingdom has come under the domination of man who has used these creatures to his own ends.
However, only the canine rises above the ranks of helper to become man's best friend.
The close bond between a man and his dog began centuries ago when the wolf showed an uncanny ability to assist man with a sense of purpose. Not only did the wolf help gather food and help man hunt for food but the wolves also protected their master. The domestication of the wolf provided man more than a help mate.
For dog owners, their furry friend provides limitless help in the form of comfort, companionship, and fun. But certain canines go above and beyond this bond to provide assistance to their human partners who are differently abled.
Dogs have a natural inclination to help man. They do their job with such a wonderful attitude and loyalty.
Pet owners experience less stress and lower blood pressure. The "seeing eye dog" becomes the eyes of the owners who cannot see. Man's best friend becomes the ears of the deaf who cannot hear.
Man's best friend is more faithful and loving than most humans. They can retrieve medicines, newspapers, and the telephone for the owner who cannot walk.
The decision, by a person with disabilities who might be considering having a service animal, should be a well-researched and an informed one. Not only should you consider the limitations and abilities of the service dog but you should also assess your own needs as an individual.
A service dog can have a big impact on your life; hence you should carefully consider all aspects of this decision.
A service dog might not be helpful in all the functions of your life, but dogs that are trained to assist to their owner’s needs definitely provide a great amount of physical and/or psychological support. You are driven towards more independence and functional freedom.
From coast to coast, local groups promoting assistance dogs are hosting events, such as fundraising dog walks, open houses, and guided tours and presentations.
Through these happenings, IADW hopes to raise awareness and educate the public about the services that these hardworking dogs provide, as well as recognize the efforts of their raisers and trainers.
The value of a service dog is immeasurable. Read more here on a previous study.
Who may benefit? Service dogs can benefit people with disabilities associated with many diagnoses, including (but not limited to):
- Spinal cord/head trauma (injury, stroke)
- Visual or hearing deficits
- Arthritis
- Ataxia/poor balance
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Seizure disorders
- Cardio/pulmonary disease
- Psychiatric disabilities
A heath care professional or social service provider can help you assess your needs to determine whether you need a service dog or not.
For more information about this campaign, or to find an event in your area, visit the IADW website.
Story ideas can be shared at par.examiner@yahoo .com
You may call or text the General Pets Examiner tip-line at 215-821-9281 to report animal fighting, neglect, abuse or abandonment. All information is anonymous and will be reported promptly to the proper authorities.
Follow the Philadelphia Animal Rescue Examiner/General Pets Examiner on Facebook and Twitter.
If you would like to continue receiving animal-related articles, including the latest news, tips and advice, please click the Subscribe Icon. It's free and anonymous. Thank you for reading and thank you for sharing this story with others.
To view all recent articles, simply click "Tammy Woods" highlighted in black at the top of this article - a full listing of articles will be shown.
Help network homeless animals by liking Whispering Woods Animal Rescue on Facebook or clicking on www.whisperingwoodsanimalrescue.com
To recognize and promote awareness of these dogs, Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 35 years and CEO of Davis Innovations, a consulting firm based in Santa Fe, NM, established International Assistance Dog Week.
This year, the initiative is taking place from August 5-11, 2012.
Man has domesticated several species of animals. Since prehistoric time, every breed or species of the animal kingdom has come under the domination of man who has used these creatures to his own ends.
However, only the canine rises above the ranks of helper to become man's best friend.
The close bond between a man and his dog began centuries ago when the wolf showed an uncanny ability to assist man with a sense of purpose. Not only did the wolf help gather food and help man hunt for food but the wolves also protected their master. The domestication of the wolf provided man more than a help mate.
For dog owners, their furry friend provides limitless help in the form of comfort, companionship, and fun. But certain canines go above and beyond this bond to provide assistance to their human partners who are differently abled.
Dogs have a natural inclination to help man. They do their job with such a wonderful attitude and loyalty.
Pet owners experience less stress and lower blood pressure. The "seeing eye dog" becomes the eyes of the owners who cannot see. Man's best friend becomes the ears of the deaf who cannot hear.
Man's best friend is more faithful and loving than most humans. They can retrieve medicines, newspapers, and the telephone for the owner who cannot walk.
The decision, by a person with disabilities who might be considering having a service animal, should be a well-researched and an informed one. Not only should you consider the limitations and abilities of the service dog but you should also assess your own needs as an individual.
A service dog can have a big impact on your life; hence you should carefully consider all aspects of this decision.
A service dog might not be helpful in all the functions of your life, but dogs that are trained to assist to their owner’s needs definitely provide a great amount of physical and/or psychological support. You are driven towards more independence and functional freedom.
From coast to coast, local groups promoting assistance dogs are hosting events, such as fundraising dog walks, open houses, and guided tours and presentations.
Through these happenings, IADW hopes to raise awareness and educate the public about the services that these hardworking dogs provide, as well as recognize the efforts of their raisers and trainers.
The value of a service dog is immeasurable. Read more here on a previous study.
Who may benefit? Service dogs can benefit people with disabilities associated with many diagnoses, including (but not limited to):
- Spinal cord/head trauma (injury, stroke)
- Visual or hearing deficits
- Arthritis
- Ataxia/poor balance
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Seizure disorders
- Cardio/pulmonary disease
- Psychiatric disabilities
A heath care professional or social service provider can help you assess your needs to determine whether you need a service dog or not.
For more information about this campaign, or to find an event in your area, visit the IADW website.
Story ideas can be shared at par.examiner@yahoo .com
You may call or text the General Pets Examiner tip-line at 215-821-9281 to report animal fighting, neglect, abuse or abandonment. All information is anonymous and will be reported promptly to the proper authorities.
Follow the Philadelphia Animal Rescue Examiner/General Pets Examiner on Facebook and Twitter.
If you would like to continue receiving animal-related articles, including the latest news, tips and advice, please click the Subscribe Icon. It's free and anonymous. Thank you for reading and thank you for sharing this story with others.
To view all recent articles, simply click "Tammy Woods" highlighted in black at the top of this article - a full listing of articles will be shown.
Help network homeless animals by liking Whispering Woods Animal Rescue on Facebook or clicking on www.whisperingwoodsanimalrescue.com
