Growing up, our neighbors had the best dog I ever knew. It was a golden retriever. While the kids rode bikes on the long driveway, the dog virtually “babysat” them, ensuring they stayed out of the road. He was right there if one of them fell and he was quick to signal with a loud bark, when the parent was needed. We learned that the neighbor’s brother was blind, and when the brother died, our neighbor took the guide dog into their family. No wonder it was such a great dog!
Early dogs were kept for their service (think herding or guarding). Evidence of burial rituals of dogs as far back 14,000 years indicate that they were likely household pets and beliefs of creatures with souls. There is no doubt, if you have ever had a dog, you know they become part of the family. Dogs have long been companions and supports for us, but when did we start with the role of “service animal” for the disabled?
There is some record in the late 18th century of their role in guiding the blind in Paris. It was during WW1, when Mustard Gas was used as a weapon and thousands of German solders were blinded by its use that the use of guide dogs became more prevalent. The Germans learned that German Shepherds could be trained to help guide the blind veterans as they returned from the war. Morris Frank, a blind American, brought a trained German Shepherd from Germany in 1929 and thus began the use of Guide Dogs in the US.
Since then, we have seen the use of service dogs in support of the deaf, wheelchair users, those with PTSD, seizures, diabetics, as well as the blind and visually impaired and virtually any condition. Yet still, less than one percent of the 61 Million people in the US with disabilities are paired with a service dog.
We all know the power of a wet nose and soft lick, but these dogs are so much more. One PubMed study profiled the benefits of service dogs. Beyond supporting independence in living, the secondary benefits add much to the quality of life and psychosocial health of the person. Only the best of the best can make it through 18 months of work with a puppy raiser, the medical clearances and six to nine months of added professional training on advanced commands.
2018 Documentary, Pick of the Litter is a must see to fully understand this highly selective process. Just 30-50% of those that start the training go on to graduate and become certified service dogs. The remainder are released or experience a “career change.”
Some of the dogs released from service dog training go on to serve as therapy dogs. We are lucky to have one of those career change examples sharing each day with us. August is National Dog Month. Hilda has been a great addition to our team. If you are in our building, stop in an meet her.
