What My Service Dog Means To Me

Grab your kleenex for this Video...youre gonna need it!!!
From Service Dog to Surfer Dog!  ( I had to watch it twice!)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

I found this story on another website, which I have posted in my blog on "Helpful Links." I think this story helps people understand what peoples service dogs mean to them, and the some of the issues they face on a daily basis.  

 

           

Tamandra and Borias - A Match Made in Heaven - submitted by Tamandra

                                                                                                           

Borias is the best thing thats ever happened to me. Its hard to believe its been seven years since fate brought us together; seven years since I first held this chubby fuzzball in my arms. I had just suffered the unexpected tragedy of losing my doberman to a heart problem, and so decided turn back to the breed I had as a child. A German Shepherd Dog is the ultimate working dog, with beauty and brains in abundance.

I call all of this fateful because of how we were brought together. My order was a tall one. Its no easy task finding a good, quality German Shepherd thats been bred to work, but that also has his drive in check so that hes not too difficult to handle. I was about to give up but then I found that folded piece paper on the floor of my car--the one that had all the breeders names crossed out. All but one. With this one last chance, I left a message saying I was looking for a Service Dog prospect, and hoped for a male. Later on, when the breeder returned my call, she informed me that a couple who worked for the FBI were there doing extensive tests on the litter in hopes of finding a cadaver SAR prospect. There were only two males in the litter, and they had said that this largest male would make a great Service Dog because he was mellow, and took things in stride. This made the breeder glow with pride, since she had long hoped to have a dog of hers do that kind of work). All that meant that Borias and I were meant to be.

And he knew it too. Weve been inseparable since the day I was allowed to bring him home. He displayed none of the typical puppy- separation-anxieties like crying for his mom and litter-mates. It was as though he knew hed just found home. The very next day he went on an outing with me on leash, trotting right beside my wheelchair with no problem. He was such a quick study. I used clicker- training to begin teaching him some of the things he would do for me, but I had no idea, at nine weeks old (and after only a few training sessions), that he would be picking up my dropped keys and wallet! In fact, he got so into excelling at his job, he learned how to unzip my backpack when I wasnt paying attention--- to take out my wallet just so he could give it back to me! (Perfect practice makes perfect, after all!).

On one occasion early in our relationship, I was in a grocery store, and had unknowingly dropped my wallet in the aisle. When I noticed, I said out loud "Oh no! Wheres my wallet?" Instantly Borias was headed behind me, pulling on his leash, then suddenly was again in front of me, wallet in his jaws, tail wagging proudly. What a good boy! 

This bond of ours has deepened through the years, which go by so fast. Weve shared some incredible times, both recreationally and competitively. Hes gotten to hobnob with celebs, been to a U2 concert, watched the Broadway play The Lion King with great interest, and is a regular at the zoo, where he often gets more attention than the other critters! Hes the first dog Ive ever earned an obedience title with, getting a blue ribbon twice. He passed a therapy dog test with a flawless performance, and can now visit the infirm and have children read to him.

    

Yet despite his eerily human capacity for understanding and our blatant and essential life-connection, we still run into incredibly small minds. Do they have an idea in their head that a dog to assist a person with a disability must look a certain way? I realize that Borias has the stature and presence of a police officer, but we are rarely treated with the respect that an officer gets. Quite often, were denied access to functions and establishments. Its hurtful, and infuriating all wrapped up inside of a helpless feeling.

Being in a wheelchair comes with some (but not too many!) obstacles. Do I really need to add social ignorance to my list?

Id love to find a way to open the heart of the world...

Thats the way Borias lives his life, with an open heart. He is my
inspiration. My soul-mate. My heart dog.

-Tamandra (http://www.petjoyonline.com/Service-Dog-Stories-s/214.htm)

This story below is a bit long but WELL worth the read.....Enjoy!

Brendan & Spook Show - Service Dog or Super Dog? Both! -submitted by Cheryl

My son Brendan will be 7 Dec, 17 2008, he has had severe Epilepsy since he was 2 mon old. Brendan has 6 different types of seizures, & has Mild Autism. Brendan was having over 100+ seizures a day before he was placed on Meds, & Received  a VNS (Vagal Nerve Stimulator) Brendan had surgery to place this device when he was 2 1/2 . My son still had 35 + seizures a day even with the VNS. 
 
Brendans Autism & Seizures have caused him to have Developmental, & Speech Delays, as well as he is an exceptional escape artist, he also has Melt Downs that are out of his control, he escalates so high , to the point that he doesnt even know or realize what he is doing, or what is happening. Brendan is the most loving, kind-hearted child you could ever know, he meets no strangers. Brendan functions on more of a 2 1/2 - 3 yr old level, he doesnt comprehend, that if he runs out in front of a car & gets hit, he could die; if he did live he would turn right around & do it again. He honestly doesnt understand what can happen. He can be outside because of the heat; it makes him seizure more, when he gets too hot. I also have Epilepsy, & Narcolepsy, but have been told that Brendans Epilepsy isnt caused from mine, The Drs dont know why either one of us have Epilepsy. 
 
We were Lucky enough to be blessed with a friend that my husband works with & who knew about Brendans special needs. He also Breeds Labs, & wanted to donate one to Brendan, I worked with another Trainer to train him to be a Seizure Alert & Autism Service Dog, he showed me when he was only 4 weeks old that he could tell me before Brendan was having a seizure that it was going to happen, he was such an awesome dog & was so smart. We worked with him & trained him for 8 mon. he was so great for my son as a Service Dog, & a Friend, Sadly he passed away on New Years EVE. He went into a seizure himself & wasnt able to recover from it. I rushed him to the Pet Emergency Hospital when I found him like that & they did everything they could but he just wasnt able to fight the fight. We do miss him greatly. 
 
Shortly after the loss of Hogan, the SD that passed away, my sons Seizures started getting worse, & his Autism melt downs were worse as well. We knew that we had to find another SD for him, but I didnt feel I had the time, nor the Ability to Train another SD, so this time we decided to find a SD that was already trained for my sons needs. We were sooooo luck to find a lady in South Bend Indiana, that trains Siberian Huskies for all types of SD work, & she happened to have a SD that was ready to go & was a perfect match for Brendans Needs. 
 
Her name is Spook Show Baby ScoobyOvanna, Spook , or Spook Show for short.  She is trained to alert to seizures before they happen, she is trained to do Search & Rescue scent tracking, she also is trained to help with the Autism, she blocks Doors, she pushes the HC buttons that stores have to help open the door when needed, as well as many other special things. It took us approx 6 mon to raise the money needed to get Spook Show for our Son. We are so happy & Blessed with having Spook as our new Family Member. 
 
Spook Show just had her 2nd Birth Day on June 9, 2008 we got her on April 24, 2008. Spook was only home with us for 5 min when she started Alerting to a seizure coming on for Brendan; she nudged him over to the trainers lap, to let her know she needed to help him. The trainer was willing to fly here to us with Spook Show so that we wouldnt have to spend so much money flying 4 people & hotel for 2 weeks + Meals. I had gone to the store to get some meds for her when Spook Alerted to her first seizure in Brendan, Spook also will go to Brendans room & pull his covers back & nudge him to his bed when she senses a seizure coming on, if he is asleep & has a seizure she will lay across his legs to keep him from trying to get up & falling after the seizure, she also licks his cheek to help bring him out of the seizure, & to let him know hes ok & she is there for him, if Brendan vomits during a seizure, Spook will burrow under him & roll him on his side so that the vomit will go out of his mouth & he wont choke on it, & she then will clean it up so he wont get it back in his mouth. 
 
We went to the Grocery Store one day & Brendan got away from me & Bolted through the store, I had to let spook loose to help me find him & get him back, she ran as fast as she could & fallowed his sent through the store until she found him, she then blocked him & barked to let me know she found him. She does her best to keep him from bolting away from me when we get out of the car, she thinks ahead, you can literally see her wheels turning she is already up & ready to get out & as soon as I open the door she jumps out & runs to the end of the drive way & watches to see where Brendan is going to run, & when he does bolt she takes off & tries her hardest to keep him from getting away. 
 
Spook also Alerts to my seizures, so she has double duty, & she is really awesome. She isnt happy unless shes working. Spook was placed here for my son & she is awesome at what she does. Spook also Pulls my sons Special needs chair, he uses when we have to do a lot of walking, she also has a Mobility Harness that she wears & Brendan holds on to her for balance, he also has a vest he wears, with a tether strap that connects to his vest, & also to Spooks Harness, so now Spook also helps Brendan balance when walking, & helps keep him from running off by being hooked together, I can give her a sit stay, or lay stay command & she will do it & it keeps Brendan from getting away , she uses all her weight & strength to keep him from dragging her across the world.
 
Spook has always put Brendans safety first, she will run across the street right after Brendan not even looking or worried about herself getting hurt or hit, she worries about Brendan, & his safety. She is truly a GOD SEND, & I dont know what we would do without her. She is not only a Service Dog, but she is a member of our Family, & Brendans best friend. He loves her sooooo sooooo much. Spook never lets Brendan out of her sight. We love her more than she will ever know, or understand. Thank You Spook Show for all you do for our family, & for saving Brendans life many times.

We Love you, youre our Angel. Love Mommy, Daddy, Nathan & Brendan (www.petjoyonline.com/Service-Dog-Stories-s/214.htm)

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Pit Bull Surprise

Well, its been proven now that Jades training, learning how to be less defensive with other dogs, has paid off, in a big way!  Yesterday, we had a pit bull surprise.  Jade and I were walking from the car into a grocery store, when suddenly from under the porch of the grocery store, a pit comes running toward us, and stops short to give Jade a good sniffing.  I couldnt believe my eyes! A pit bull, without a leash, hanging out in front of the grocery store, coming up to bother a working dog, a service dog!!! What the hell has this town come to!?  Where the hell was the owner of this beast!?

Jades training has definitely paid off, as she performed exactly as a service dog should in such an unwelcome situation. She stopped and let the beast sniff her, taking her away from her job and her attention off of me. This kind of thing makes me SICK! I am so sick and tired of these irresponsible pit bull owners and they just continue to show that they cannot be trusted to be responsible with their beasts!!!  Nevertheless, Jade stood there and let the dog sniff, and I kept trying to pull her forward, thinking if we just kept moving that the darn pit bull would just give up the sniff and walk away....and I didnt know when the beast would suddenly decide that Jade would taste better than she smells, and its DNA would kick in, and it would perform its best gripping behavior on my girl! But the more I tried to pull her away and keep moving, the more she planted her feet and wouldnt move.  I think she thought it was best to stay still for the moment.

I thought that Jade might turn to her defensive behavior and start growling and defending herself, and then the beast would attempt to kill her....at which point I would have had to brutally kill the damn thing right there in front of the grocery store, in front of about 30 people! But she didnt.  Jade behaved like a perfect service dog.  Standing there, letting it sniff, while I was yelling, "Whos damn dog is this!? Get your damned dog! My dog is working here!" I began reaching in my purse for my weapon, as I was afraid, and didnt know what would happen, when suddenly a lady came out of the story with a shopping cart and aimed for the pit bull.  She acted like she was going to hit the pit bull with the shopping cart and shouted, "Hey, get outta here!" And the pit bull went back to his place under the porch of the store! So we moved along and went into the store.

When we went into the store, I got on one of the shopping cart buggies, with Jade at my side, and realized I was shaking so hard I could barely function.  Jade stood there looking at me, and I had to sit down and just stop, and breathe.  I really couldnt do anything because I was just too upset.  Im really sick and tired of running into loose dogs in this town, with my working, service dog, especially pit bulls, the most inherently dangerous and vicious types of dogs out there! I am afraid of pit bulls and I have a damn good reason to be! If youre not afraid of pit bulls, then your lacking information on them! My dogs been attacked by a pit bull, pets, service dogs, and children and adults have been attacked and killed by pit bulls, and that, if you ask me, is a damn good reason to fear them! Theyve attacked, injured, and killed many a service dog in situations as these.

This town really needs to do something about the pit bull problem.  There are way too many of them, they are over populated, over bred, and overly vicious! The shelters in this town are full of those dogs, which I dont get! If these pit bull lovers love these dogs as much as they claim, then why are there so many of them in the shelters!? Why are they always roaming the streets with no owners? Why isnt this problem getting taken care of?!

Anyway...I have to say that I was VERY proud of my girl, Jade for doing exactly what she was trained to do....be a GREAT SERVICE DOG! It took me a while to calm down, and luckily I have a great group of supportive, encouraging, empathic friends to talk to about these things, which helps me immensely! And I have my amazing service dog to help me with anxiety, depression, and my physical disabilities.

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BSL and Service Dogs

I have a really bad feeling that any city, county, state or country that has enacted, or will enact BSL  (Breed Specific Legislation) in the future, will start seeing a huge increase in "service dogs," and theyre gonna be pit bulls! Besides being morally corrupt, and completely disgraceful, its also against the law and a HUGE federal violation to impersonate a disabled person for the purpose of having a service dog; nevertheless, I think I can speak for many, many people in saying that there are A LOT of people in this country, and others, that fit this description.  Many more cities, and counties are learning more and more about pit bulls.  Not to mention the fact that they continue to maul, maim and kill more people and other animals than all other dog breeds combined.  Legislators are learning, and the people are getting tired of it.   More and more places are starting to discuss and enact BSL, which is leading those morally corrupt and disgraceful people to look for new ways to get around the law.  Yup, the perfect way to keep your pit bull, is to impersonate a disabled person and try to get your dog certified as a "service dog." Cmon pit bull owners, we know what youre doing. We may be disabled, but were NOT stupid!!!  Be advised, you morally corrupt and disgraceful people, the ADA and the Federal Government are also not stupid and are well aware of it....and there will SOON come a time when you all will be outed.  There will soon be a Federal Law enacted that will prohibit you from doing what youre doing! As it stands, the ADA is there for the purpose of protecting the disabled, and you, who try to FAKE your dogs certification as a "service dog" will soon pay the price.  Make no mistake!

Heres a quote I found online in regards to this topic. Frightening, isnt it?!

"As far as Im concerned, this is a loophole! Im planning on having all the BSL breeds in our rescue CGC and TDI certified. By federal law, no one is allowed to ask you for proof that the dog you have it a therapy dog. If they do you can sue them under ADA law. And all you need is a doctor willing to say you get stressed in public and need your dog to help you relax. That makes your dog a therapy dog. Done.


And now according to federal law, no city or state is allowed to ban your dog, regardless of breed, if its a therapy dog!!   Take that you brainless BSL supporting morons!!"


I wont go into why this person is a complete idiot, and totally ignorant of the law....well keep that between us.  If you know the law, you know why this will NOT work for this person.  She eventually decides to actually read the ADA regs and figures out why this wont work, but rest assured, there are many morally corrupt, disgraceful scumbags out there impersonating the disabled for this very reason. Watch out for them, and when you see them, REPORT THEM!!!

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Pit Bulls Killing Guide and Service Dogs Continued

Posted: May 07, 2012 1:12 PM MSTUpdated: May 07, 2012 1:13 PM MST

 

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office says it has closed its investigation into an incident that a blind man said caused his guide dog to die.

It happened March 19 when Bruce Cole was out walking with his guide dog, "Quincy."

According to Cole, three dogs attacked Quincy. 

"I could feel the dogs hitting her," he said. "Then they came up and slammed her [to the ground]."

Over the next couple of weeks, Cole said Quincys health began deteriorating. She died on Friday.

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office confirmed in an e-mail to FOX 13 News that they were conducting a vicious dog investigation. The e-mail said "there were no documented injuries to Quincy, which the vet confirmed" and that "she developed an internal infection from stress."

The sheriffs office said it cited the dogs owners for letting them run loose and not having them properly licensed.

They said there were no other reports against the dogs, and with no other bites or complaints on file, they closed the investigation.

Cole said he has already started the process of getting a replacement for Quincy, but that it could take upwards of one year. 

    NOW  HERES THE REAL STORY

BRUCE COLE, A LEGALLY BLIND RESIDENT OF SARASOTA, WAS WALKING WITH HIS GUIDE DOG QUINCY ON MARCH 19, WHEN ACCORDING TO AN EYEWITNESS...........

                         2 PIT BULLS

BEGAN JUMPING ON QUINCY.  MR. COLE, HAVING WORKED WITH QUINCY FOR 7 YEARS WAS SENSITIVE TO HER MINUTEST MOVEMENTS THROUGH THE HARNESS THE DOG WORE AND KNEW THAT DOGS WERE HITTING AND PROBABLY BITING QUINCY.

BRUCE CALLED 911.  THE OWNER OF THE PIT BULLS CAME FROM HIS HOUSE AND HEARD BRUCE SAYING THAT HIS GUIDE DOG HAD BEEN ATTACKED  AND  HE CALLED HIM.....

                  "A (EXPLETIVE) LIAR"

WHICH CAN BE HEARD ON THE 911 TAPE.

TWO DEPUTIES FROM THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE ARRIVED BUT QUICKLY TURNED THE MATTER OVER TO AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.  THIS OFFICER COULD DETECT NO BITES ON QUINCY BUT FOUND DROOL ON HER SHOULDER AND NECK, A COMMON SIGN OF BITING AND CHEWING.  THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER ISSUED CITATIONS TO THE OWNER FOR NOT KEEPING HIS DOGS UNDER CONTROL AND NOT HAVING PROOF OF SHOTS FOR EITHER DOG.  THE OWNER SAID......

"IM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY FRONT DOOR AND I NEED TO FIX IT."

QUINCY DID NOT EXHIBIT ANY SYMPTOMS FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT SEEMED TO BE SHAKEN.  MR COLE SPOKE WITH A VET BUT THEY AGREED HE SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR HER CONDITION.  THEN SHE BEGAN TO WOBBLE WHEN WALKING AND MR. COLE REALIZED QUINCY WAS LOSING THE USE OF HER HIND LEGS.  HE TOOK HER TO BENEVA ANIMAL HOSPITAL ON APRIL 9.

TESTS REVEALED THAT QUINCY HAD 2 FRACTURED VERTEBRAE AND A BACTERIAL INFECTION, THE CAUSE OF WHICH, GIVEN THE ABSENCE OF ANY OTHER TRAUMA, WAS LIKELY A PUNCTURE WOUND SUFFERED DURING  THE PIT BULL ATTACK.


          QUINCY DIED ON MAY 4




"IT IS A CRIME IN FLORIDA FOR ANYONE TO "PERMIT A DOG THAT HE OR SHE OWNS TO INTERFERE WITH THE USE OF A SERVICE ANIMAL BY OBSTRUCTING, INTIMIDATING OR OTHERWISE JEOPARDIZING THE SAFETY OF THE SERVICE ANIMAL OR ITS USER......" THIS IS A SECOND-DEGREE MISDEMEANOR FOR THE FIRST OFFENSE.  MORE SERIOUS CHARGES CAN BE FILED IF THE CONDITIONS OF THE INTERFERENCE INVOLVES INTENT .........

*************OR THE SERVICE ANIMAL IS KILLED ****************

IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED FILING SUCH A CHARGE, WHICH WOULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

CIVIL LIABILITY IS ALSO POSSIBLE.  SOME STATES NOW APPLY STRICT LIABILITY TO ATTACKS BY PIT BULLS.  WHEN STRICT LIABILITY IS APPLIED, AS IN A CASE DECIDED BY MARYLANDS HIGHEST COURT IN APRIL (TRACEY V. SOLESKY), "IT IS NO DEFENCE THAT A KEEPER EMPLOYED REASONABLE CARE, OR EVEN A HIGH DEGREE OF DILIGENCE TO PREVENT THEIR ESCAPE.  LIABILITY IS INDEPENDENT OF ANY FAULT ON THE PART OF THE OWNER."  STRICT LIABILITY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO LANDLORDS OF TENANTS WITH PIT BULLS.

MANY STATES INCLUDING FLORIDA, HAVE PASSED LAWS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE SUCH INCIDENTS AND THE RESULTANT COST TO GUIDE DOG USERS, WHO MOST OFTEN WAIT UP TO A YEAR TO GET ANOTHER DOG, AS IS LIKELY TO BE TRUE FOR MR. COLE.

HAVING LAWS ON THE STATUTE BOOKS CANNOT HELP IF AUTHORITIES REMAIN UNAWARE OF THEM OR REGARD THEM AS UNENFORCEABLE.  IT IS HOPED THAT SERVICE ANIMAL INTERFERENCE LAWS, AND INCIDENTS THAT SHOULD BE PROSECUTED UNDER THEM, WILL RECEIVE GREATER ATTENTION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE PUBLIC, AND THE MEDIA, IN THE FUTURE.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

ROYAL OAK MI - PIT BULL BREAKS FREE FROM A 10-YEAR-OLD AND ATTACKED A DOG BEING TRAINED BY LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Sunday - June 3, 2012 - A   PIT BULL  broke loose from a 10-year-old girl Sunday afternoon and attacked a dog that was being trained by Leader dogs for the Blind. The  Golden Retriever that was attacked was training in the citys downtown with an instructor and a blind client.

The 10-year-old girls mother left her with the Pit bull on the sidewalk cafe of Burgrz Restaurant on South Main.  Lana Louys of Wyandotte, who was dining at the restaurants outdoor area said she heard the girl screeam and looked up to see th Pit Bull scrambling after a seeing-eye dog and a blind man who were passing by....


THE PIT BULL PINNED THE SEEING-EYE DOG TO THE GROUND AND HAD IT BY THE THROAT. ABOUT 10 MEN GOT INVOLVED AND SOMEHOW PRIED THE PIT BULL OFF" THE 18-MONTH-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER.



One of the men held the dog on his leash while others finally found the girls mother about five minutes later.  Police said that neither of the dogs needed medical treatment, though there was a small spot of blood on the golden retrievers neck.  Animal Control is investigating.

A spokeswoman at Leader dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills said it will take another week or two before they are able to determine if the incident will have any lastsing effect on the Golden Retriever and possible end its eligibility as a leader dog.  It had completed 4 months of training and was in its final month, when leader dogs typically work with deaf or blind clients.

Make NO MISTAKE-PIT BULLS ARE KILLERS!!!!!!!

Pit Bull owners are the lowest of the low, most vile, disgusting people Ive ever had the displeasure of interacting with!

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Service Assistant Guide Dogs Attacked

Several service/assistant/guide dogs are being attacked by loose dogs, mostly pit bull type, gripping, fighting breed dogs, and this NEEDS TO STOP!!!  Its bad enough that people own these types of dogs at all, but the fact they seem to be the most irresponsible dog owners out there, always letting their grippers run loose, is reeking havoc on most cities nowadays.

I have previously blogged about this on another page, here in this blog, but it seems this topic needs more and constant attention.  There are service dogs out there that are having to be retired early, and even killed by loose, and aggressive dogs, leaving their handlers devastated, and taking away their handlers independence and freedom. This is just NOT okay.

Yes, as far as the law states now, in many cities, people are able to own their dog of choice (not everywhere though) and if people want to own a vicious breed of dog, that was originally bred for the purpose of fighting and killing, then so be it; but these types of dogs must NOT be allowed to roam the streets injuring people and their dogs.  Mind you, NO dog should be able to roam the streets, loose, becoming a nuisance and even a danger to society, but these fighting breed dogs are causing serious problems, and are impinging on the rights of good citizens to feel and be safe.

The owners of these vicious types of dogs are always screaming out their rights to own these dogs. Fine, then BE RESPONSIBLE! Admit that your dog is capable of killing another dog or person in just a few minutes (sometimes seconds) and do the right thing. Keep them on the sturdiest leash you can find, muzzle it if need be, or just dont take it out in public where it can be a danger to someone.  The owners are always talking about their rights to own these dogs, and that they will fight to the death to keep them from being banned (as they are in several cities, counties and even countries) but if you ask me, theyre are precisely the ones that are causing these bans to get enacted, but they just dont realize it. They are causing it because they are over-breeding these dogs to make a buck, and treating them "just like any other dog," which is certainly NOT the case! They are being completely irresponsible and letting these dogs roam the streets, they have inadequate enclosures for them, and they always "somehow" get out and hurt someone. There are millions, yes millions, of these types of dogs filling up shelters all across the country, yet the owners are always talking about how much they LOVE their vicious dogs.  Im sorry, but if you love your dog, you make it a safe and appropriate enclosure so that it cant get loose and lost, you keep it on a sturdy leash, and you make sure its not consistently hurting people and dogs, as to give it a "bad reputation" therefore ensuring that your type of dog is not consistently in the news causing law makers to have to take action. Get it?

Disabled people and their service dogs have rights too! Everyone does. The right to own a dog, feel safe, be safe, be independent and free, freedom of speech and the like are not rights that are only reserved for those who wish to own the most vicious and dangerous type of dogs out there! Although it seems that these type of dog owners seem to think so.  Can they stop for one minute to think about the rights of others? Just once???

I wonder if they realize the blood, sweat, tears and money that goes into a disabled person acquiring and training an assistance dog? I wonder if they even care? I think its a major problem that the owners of these types of fighting breed dogs wont even admit that their dogs are serious potential danger.  They wont admit the facts about their own dog, which I dont understand. I will freely admit that the breed of dog I have is subject to chasing birds, retrieving things, and is subject to certain types of health concerns, such as hip dysplasia, but the owners of gripping type dogs refuse to accept or admit that their dogs are dangerous.  I just dont get it.  They seem to blame everyone else, especially the victims of their dogs, for their dogs behavior.  I dont understand this way of thinking; it just doesnt make sense.

My trainer often fosters these types of dogs; fighting breed dogs, such as pit bulls (and their cousins) but is willing to accept and admit the truth about them.  She accepts and will tell you that these dogs are a potential danger to people, a lot of people are afraid of them, dont like them, they are prone to violence and prone to attacking other dogs and people too.  She will tell you that these types of dogs have a different body language that is extremely difficult to read, even by other dogs, therefore leading to surprise attacks by these dogs.  She will tell you that these dogs need a special type of training, a special type of enclosure, as they are escape artists, and will tell you that these dogs are NOT for the average dog lover.  They need a special type of care.  I dont see why the owners of these dogs dont admit and accept these facts.  If they would, Im certain there would be a lot less problems with these dogs.  There wouldnt be so much news coverage on them, and there wouldnt be so many attacks and killings perpetrated by these types of dogs.  "Theyre just like any other dog," just isnt getting it done!

Thats my rant, and after all is said and done, who really cares what I say, or how I feel, but the point is that service/assistant/guide dogs, and others, continue to be attacked, mauled, and/or killed by these types of dogs.  So because the owners refuse to accept the facts, refuse to admit the truth about their gripping dogs, dont cry when the law makers have to take over, or step in to keep the public safe from your fighting breed dogs.

I cant imagine what it would be like to be blind, period; and then to be walking down the street, led by your noble guide dog (which cost you $40,000 to acquire and maintain), feeling a great sense of pride and accomplishment, independence and freedom (which took you almost 10 years to accomplish), when suddenly, some irresponsible gripping dogs owner has let their vicious dog out to come and savage your noble guide dog, ripping apart that independence and freedom you have worked so hard to acquire.  Yes, picture it!  What is a blind person to do in this situation?  Ive read that some just let go of their guide dog and offer it the opportunity to defend itself, or scream in terror for help to anyone that might be willing to jump in and save your noble friend.  Service dogs are NOT like any other dog.  They are specially trained, and difficult to acquire and maintain, not to mention expensive.  But why should the owner of a fighting breed dog care about this?

PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEASH AND THINK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES RIGHTS TO BE SAFE AND FREE, AND INDEPENDENT.  PLEASE THINK ABOUT WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE DISABLED AND TO TRY TO DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST THIS KIND OF ATTACK.

Great Video about Guide Dogs:

http://explore.org/#!/videos/player/guide-dogs-america

Another guide dog attacked in England....

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/guide_dog_attacked_by_another_dog_in_magdalen_street_norwich_1_1333084

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Service-dog-attacked-Owner-needs-help-with-needed/xDKYZ4kBo06aa7qHw9_WuA.cspx

http://servicedogsawayoflife.blogspot.com/2011/06/news-service-dog-attacked-on-walk-with.html

PLEASE SEE MY PAGE (IN THIS BLOG) ON "SERVICE DOG DANGERS"

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Veterans Can Now Apply For Assistance With Service Dog Expenses

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/04/military_servicedog_benefits_042710w/

This is an important announcement in regards to Veterans of the Armed Forces that have service dogs, or may benefit from the use of a service dog.

There has been a push for the Department of Veterans Affairs to be more "service dog friendly," as having a service dog is a great substitute for medications in a lot of cases where depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an issue. However, its important to remember that a dog that is used to "make you feel better" is NOT considered a service dog; that is a therapy dog, and is not afforded the same public access rights as a service dog.  A service dog MUST be "individually trained to perform certain tasks for the benefit of the disabled person." So, just being there to make one feel good is not considered a task.  Just something to remember.

I think it is crucially important for the VA healthcare system to become more service dog friendly, and support Veterans that use service dogs. A lot of doctors continue to push medications for a lot of ailments, and sometimes, the use of a service dog can have a great impact on the amount of medication someone needs to take, but not always.

There are several articles online, such as the one above that discusses this fairly new benefit for Veterans. I think ALL Veterans that use service dogs, should apply for this benefit! This new benefit essentially provides some compensation for those Veterans that use service dogs, in helping with costs associated with keeping a service dog.

Please look into this, and if you are a Veteran with a service dog, please go to your nearest VA hospital and apply for this benefit.

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Bertie Dog Training Langton Group

We started our new beginner course this week which is outdoors. We still have places so if you know anyone that may want a place please let them know. Details can be obtained from http://www.bertiedogs.com/

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New course today

We started our second summer course today. It was a lovely class with lovely quiet dogs. Please note that the club will be closed on the 10th August for all classes.

The new website is almost complete with the exception of dates for the diary where we are still waiting for confirmation to use Brockshill as a venue. These will be posted soon.

If any Bertie members are reading this please sign into this blog and support us.

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Jade Has Playtime With Pals

Jades been in some heavy duty training now for almost a year now, every single week, sometimes twice a week, to become the bomb-proof, solid Service Dog that she is.  Were getting ready to take the Certification exam any time now.  In fact, next week, our trainer is taking us to where we will be taking the exam to run through a few practice exams.  We also went through it once this week at the pet store, which isnt easy.  If youve ever taken your dog to a pet store, you know how difficult it can be for your dog to focus, with all the smells, sights, sounds, and other dogs.  Jade is doing amazing! Our trainer has been bringing her dog with her every week, a 150 lb Rottweiler, to train with us.  Hes a wonderful dog, so mellow and gentle.  Jade and the Rottie have become working pals, and are on duty together every week now, for several weeks in a row.  That has been going very well, and weve been practicing the Certification exam at the pet store with the trainers Rottie.  We are almost there.

Jade has been having more and more experiences with other dogs, and is doing amazing! Im so proud of her. Shes really become a very different dog over the past year.  She knows exactly what it means to help me, she knows when that vest goes on, playtime is over and its time to work. She helps me so much at home too, and shes always willing to jump up and do what shes told, whether its getting me a drink from the fridge, pulling the laundry basket into the laundry room, getting the clothes out of the dryer, fetching my cane, or my phone....or whatever else I need from her. Its so amazing having my own little helper, especially since shes been my best friend when I first brought her home at 11 weeks old.  Shes really developed into the most amazing dog!

Shes been fortunate enough to have some special play times as well with other dogs shes meeting at the park, when were out for our walks.  The first one was with a little Chihuahua/Pomeranian Mix we met at the park. It was actually off leash and so was Jade, because we were playing fetch at the time. Just cant play fetch on a leash.  So we were playing, and Jade was running for the ball and bringing it right back to me and dropping it right in my hand, like a champ, when this little dog comes running across the field to meet Jade. Right as I threw the ball, and Jade went galloping after it, the little dog was right behind Jade running for the ball with her. Jade got there first of course, but they played and chased each other, sniffed each other and had a great time for the next 30 minutes or so.  The little dogs owner and I talked and Jade got to meet her too. The owner talked about how shed just rescued the little dog a week or so ago from the shelter, as it was going to be euthanized. While Jade was meeting the owner, the little dog barked at her and nipped her in the butt, and we laughed as Jade tucked her butt and ran from the little dog.  It was hysterical and so wonderful to see Jade having such a great time playing with this little dog!

Yesterday, we met another Lab at the park.  A big, beautiful male Lab. He was only 11 months old and was as big as Jade.  He was gorgeous!  He came up and sniffed Jade, so I let her have some playtime with him.  They ran around in circles around me and the other dogs owners. We talked while they played.  I told them about Jades pit bull attack and they agreed that pit bulls are very dangerous dogs.  Most people agree with that, except pit owners.  Everyone Ive ever talked to about pit bulls say the same thing, unless of course, they own a pit bull.  Anyway...Jade had a nice play time with the other dog for a good 20 minutes or so and we took off on the scooter to finish our park time. Im really proud of how well shes doing with other dogs, and with performing her duties!

I never imagined that Jade could or would do the things shes able to do now. She is just an amazing dog, wonderfully smart, and such a willing and loving helper.  She really understands when I dont feel well, and stays very close to me always.  She knows her job and loves doing it.  I couldnt have asked for a better buddy!

Heres Jade getting me a drink from the fridge.

Napping in the back yard, while I water the plants. She loves the grass!

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Feeling Restless

Jade and I really rely on our park outings every evening for some quality time together (not that we dont get that every day) and time outside for some fresh evening air.  The park is kind of our drug, since we dont get out much.  We usually get to go to the park every evening, and we walk, play fetch and enjoy the air.

The last few days weve been stuck in the house, as Jade has hurt her leg again.  She injured it before playing fetch, and shes managed to do it again. Shes just plays a very vigorous game of fetch, and no more how I throw the ball, she doesnt seem to slow down at all.  I tried not throwing it very far, but it doesnt change a thing. She still bolts after it, as fast as she can run, the she either catches it on the bounce, or chases it along the ground, twisting and turning, and sometimes even taking a tumble.  Gotta get that ball! Ask anyone that owns a Lab! These are definitely ball dogs! Then she runs back and drops the ball right in my hand.  A master Retriever! But, shes just a little to vigorous with the game, and she hurt her leg not too long ago.  She was limping and Id taken her to the Vet then, worried about arthritis, or dysplasia, Valley Fever, or something horrible.  Luckily, the Vet could find nothing wrong with her leg, after an examination and an ex-ray.

Two days ago, off we went, back to the Vet for the same thing, same leg.  The Vet checked her again and again found nothing.  He chalked it up to something like a "sports injury" having somehow strained a muscle during twisting and turning that didnt quite heal completely from the last time it was injured.  He gave her a prescription for rest and an anti-inflammatory again.  He said that the best thing would be for her to play fetch in the pool, thereby getting physical therapy in the water, and slowing her down some in her game of fetch.  I wish! I dont have a pool, but wouldnt that be great!? So, the Vet says, "no more fetch for a good long stretch of time."  Poor girl, its gonna hurt.  I cant imagine her not being able to play fetch...its the thing she loves most of all. Nevertheless, we have to follow doctors orders; dont want her to hurt herself again.  He said to give a long while to heal up completely and then see.

I really cant afford her to have an injury so I have to be careful.  I use Jade for bracing and for mobility support, so its important that shes in the best of health and the best of shape.  So, stuck in the house are we for at least a few days, then we can at least go for a walk at the park...no fetch though....sorry, girl.
:( .

Well, shes already feeling better.  Shes not limping anymore, and shes totally restless! She just stares at me for a while after dinner, like, "You ready now? Are we going to the park?" I feel bad, but its for her own good.  Once she gets that were not going, she hops up on the couch, curls up, looks at me one last time, like "Really, were not going?", then a long sigh, then she closes her eyes and drops off for a nap.  Shes been bringing me her toys for the last few days, tossing them around the house and even chasing the cat around, which she rarely does anymore.  I know shes getting restless when she starts chasing the cat. Poor old guy.  My cat is 17 years old and probably thinking, "Please take this damn dog to the park already!" :)

(As if our animals think the way we do, right? Haha!)  Anyway....were both restless....so Ill share some photos, and hopefully tomorrow well hit the park for a short walk.

Pretty Green Eyes

Jades first day with me. 11 weeks old.

Sporting the football jersey.  It says, "Wide Retriever" on the back.

Playing in the river.

Sleeping with her toy.

My old man.

The park makes this girl HAPPY!

Playing fetch

Relaxing in the cat bed :)

Proud digger at 3 months

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Adult Dog Training 3 Ways to stop Jumping Up

Adult Dog Training - 3 Ways to stop Jumping Up

So youve been given or have aquired somehow, an adult dog.
Often a big problem can be jumping up.

Dogs are extremely sociable creatures and want to see your face or be where you are.
Jumping can simply be a way to get closer to the face.

There are 3 good ways to stop jumping up that I am going to address;

1. The Preventing Knee


As your dog is just about to jump up, put your knee up to stop them. This makes it uncomfortable for them and teaches them that this is not a good idea.
This is NOT my favourite. I have a large Bullmastiff puppy and when I tried this...well, I have some scars on my legs you wouldnt believe.
Not a practical method for big dogs !

2. The Spray

This method entails having a spray cannister filled with either water or a water / vinegar mix.
It is best to use this with a word such as "
OFF !".
A 5 minute session with this each day may be all your dog needs to associate the unpleasant spray with the word OFF and the fact that these come when he jumps up.
Thos method does work well except on those dogs who literally go balistic when you spray them. My Bullmastiff runs around the house like a crazy dog when she gets sprayed...not good for an almost 100lb dog !

3. The Lead technique

By far my favourite so far.
This one just needs you to put the dogs lead on. Where the lead runs from the neck and touches the ground, step on it (the lead not the dog..). This makes it impossible for the dog to jump.
Remember to praise extensively when your dog doesnt try to jump.

One last word;
Dogs are gamblers. Often if you can carry treats around with you and treat when they have done very well, the dog will remember that this happens and gamble on you having treats !

Good Luck !

Lincoln

Adult Dog Training

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The Difference Between A REAL Service Dog And A Fraud

Ive written several blogs recently on "Fake Service Dogs" and why people are attempting to pass their pets off as service dogs. Ive also discussed the negative impacts of doing such a thing (impersonating a disabled person and attempting to pass your pet off as a service dog) on the real service dog team community. I also read many other articles dedicated to the same topic, as this has become a very real problem.  It is also a problem for business owners and managers, as they are often too afraid of being sued to oust a "service dog" from their establishment, even when the dog becomes a nuisance or even aggressive toward other patrons/customers.  Ive read stories where customers have legitimately complained about a "service dog" in the establishment that was lunging at customers, barking incessantly, and being an all out nuisance, and the business manager refused to ask the "service dog" team to take the dog out for fear of confrontation and being sued.  Its become very clear to me that business owners/managers need to be properly educated about what a REAL service dog looks like, and how it should behave, so that they can more easily spot a fake "service dog" and deal with it appropriately.

Disabled people have rights, true.  They have the right to have a service dog and to bring their legitimate service dog into most any establishment, as long as the dog behaves as it should.  However, business owners and managers have rights too, and so do the other customers who use those establishments.

I think its pretty clear that a lot of people are on to the fact that there are some people out there who are stooping to new lows, and will stop at nothing to take their pets wherever they want to go.  However, in order to do this, they have to break the law; and make no mistake....impersonating a disabled person, and slapping a vest on your dog to call it a "service dog" without the proper training, is a crime. It is Felony fraud and will be treated as such, when, not if, but WHEN you are caught.

BUT...the big question out there is "how do you know if a persons service dog is a legitimately trained service dog, or a fraud?" Some people say theres no way to tell, since by law the ADA only allows two questions asked to the disabled/service dog team...1) Is that a service dog? and 2) What tasks does the service dog perform to assist you with your disability?

................THERE IS A WAY TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEGITIMATE SERVICE DOG AND A FRAUD................

Thats why Im posting this....This is GREAT information that will help anyone see the difference.....

IAADP Minimum Training Standards for Public Access
1. Amount of Schooling: an assistance dog should be given a minimum of one hundred twenty (120) hours of schooling over a period of Six Months or more.* At least thirty (30) hours should be devoted to outings that will prepare the dog to work obediently and unobtrusively in public places.**
2. Obedience Training: a dog must master the basic obedience skills: "Sit, Stay, Come, Down, Heel" and a dropped leash recall in a store in response to verbal commands and/or hand signals.
3. Manners: a dog must acquire proper social behavior skills. It includes at a minimum:

• No aggressive behavior toward people or other animals - no biting, snapping, snarling, growling or lunging and barking at them when working off your property.
• No soliciting food or petting from other people while on duty.
• No sniffing merchandise or people or intruding into another dog’s space while on duty.
• Socialize to tolerate strange sights, sounds, odors etc. in a wide variety of public settings.
• Ignores food on the floor or dropped in the dog’s vicinity while working outside the home.
• Works calmly on leash. No unruly behavior or unnecessary vocalizations in public settings.
• No urinating or defecating in public unless given a specific command or signal to toilet in an appropriate place.

4. Disability Related Tasks: the dog must be individually trained to perform identifiable tasks on command or cue for the benefit of the disabled human partner. This includes alerting to sounds, medical problems, certain scents like peanuts or situations if training is involved.

For a definition of a "task" and "individually trained,” and “what is not a task” and many examples of tasks performed by different kinds of assistance dogs, Click Here.
5. Prohibited Training: Any training that arouses a dog’s prey drive or fear to elicit a display of aggression for guard or defense purposes is strictly prohibited. Non aggressive barking as a trained behavior is permitted in appropriate situations. (See IAADP’s ban on the enrollment of protection trained, attack trained or aggressive dogs as an assistance dog with our organization. Click Here)
6. A Trainer’s Responsibilities: Trainers function as ambassadors for the assistance dog movement. This includes a disabled owner trainer, a provider’s staff or a volunteer with a puppy or adult dog “in training.” It also includes an assistance dog partner or able bodied facilitator helping a disabled loved one to keep up an assistance dog’s training. At a minimum, you should:

• Know pertinent canine laws (i.e. leash laws and public access laws)
• Ensure the dog is healthy, flea free and the rabies vaccination is up to date
• Take time to make sure your dog is well groomed and free of any foul odor
• Show respect and consideration to other people and property.
• Use humane training methods; monitor the dog’s stress level; provide rest breaks.
• Carry clean up materials. Arrange for prompt clean up if a dog eliminates or gets sick.
• Be polite and willing to educate the public about assistance dogs and access rights.

* The 120 hours of schooling includes the time invested in homework training sessions between obedience classes or lessons from an experienced dog trainer. ** Eligibility for Certification from a provider who supports IAADP’s Minimum Training Standards for Public Access may require you turn in a weekly training log to document your dog received a minimum of 120 hours of schooling over a period of six months or more.

PUBLIC ACCESS TEST
How will you know when your dog is ready to graduate from an "in training" status to the status of a full fledged assistance dog with whom you are entitled to have public access rights?
An excellent tool for evaluating a teams readiness to graduate [e.g. finish up formal training] is the Public Access Certification Test (PACT) which can be found on the website of Assistance Dogs International at www.adionline.org The ADI Public Access Certification Test was developed over 15 years ago as a consumer protection measure by the ADI Team Testing Committee, which included input from both providers and IAADP Partner members. Overall, the goal of the test is to discover whether or not a particular team is ready to go places out in public without trainer supervision. The safety of the dog, the handler and the public were the main considerations in developing the specific exercises for testing the team.
This test creates a level playing field, since it does not matter whether it is a guide, hearing or service dog team being tested or who trained the dog. What matters is the team’s performance. Every ADI program is required to administer this test before graduating and credentialing a team.
Disability mitigating tasks or work are not critiqued during the test. However, to establish a dog’s eligibility to take this test to become an assistance dog, ADI programs would ask for a demo in advance of at least three service dog tasks, three hearing dog sound alerts or a series of tasks known as “guide dog work.” To document the dog performs tasks in the home such as seizure response work, alerting to an attack of hypoglycemia late at night or fetching a portable phone or beverage, a program may ask the client to submit a video tape of the task(s).
The Public Access Test evaluates the dogs obedience and manners and the handlers skills in a variety of situations which include:
A. The handlers abilities to: ( 1 ) safely load and unload the dog from a vehicle; ( 2 ) enter a public place without losing control of the dog; ( 3 ) to recover the leash if accidently dropped, and ( 4 ) to cope calmly with an access problem if an employee or customer questions the individual’s right to bring a dog into that establishment.
B. The dogs ability to: ( 1 ) safely cross a parking lot, halt for traffic, and ignore distractions; ( 2 ) heel through narrow aisles; ( 3 ) hold a Sit-Stay when a shopping cart passes by or when a person stops to chat and pets the dog; (4 ) hold a Down Stay when a child approaches and briefly pets the dog; ( 5 ) hold a Sit Stay when someone drops food on the floor; hold a Down Stay when someone sets a plate of food on the floor within 18" of the dog, then removes it a minute later. [the handler may say “Leave It” to help the dog resist the temptation.] ( 6 ) remain calm if someone else holds the leash while the handler moves 20 ft. away; ( 7 ) remain calm while another dog passes within 6 ft. of the team during the test. This can occur in a parking lot or store. Alternatively, you could arrange for a neighbor with a pet dog to stroll past your residence while you load your dog into a vehicle at the beginning of the test.

IAADP agrees with ADIs ethical position that the amount of training given to an assistance dog should NEVER fall below the minimum level needed to pass this Public Access Test.

**CERTIFICATION is not required in the USA. Many states lack programs willing to certify dogs that did not go through that program’s training course. The DOJ decided to foster “an honor system,” by making the tasks the dog is trained to perform on command or cue to assist a disabled person, rather than certification ID from specific programs, the primary way to differentiate between a service animal and a pet. It opened the door for people to train their own assistance dog, usually with the help of an experienced trainer, if a program dog is unavailable.

Testers: If you are not enrolled in a program or taking lessons from a trainer willing to administer the Public Access Test and provide ID on successful completion of the test, it is worthwhile to find a trainer who would administer The Public Access Test. You could recruit a local trainer certified through The National Association of Obedience Dog Instructors ( www.nadoi.org) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. ( www.ccpdt.org ) ,or an obedience class instructor, or a Canine Good Citizen test evaluator. Trainers usually will charge a fee for their time. You might ask a colleague, in a pinch, to video tape the test and score it, for scoring is self explanatory. Have the tester sign and date it, then keep the test with your training logs in case of an access dispute someday.

Hopefully, this will help someone to determine the difference between a REAL Service Dog and a fraud.

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Bertie Website

I am currently working on a new website design and hope to launch it very soon. It will be a lot more informative and hopefull easier to navigate around.

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Things People Say to Service Dog Handlers

I pulled this great video off of You Tube, which I think is great! It just basically quotes the things that people to say to service dog handlers.

Since I have had my service dog, I have had many, many people come up to me and say the strangest things. Most of these things are quoted here in this video, but there are others, such as, "Youre not blind, what do YOU need a dog for?!" Yes, people never cease to amaze me.  Because I was educated about service dogs, even before I had one, I assumed that other people were educated about what a service dog is as well. BOY was I WRONG!!! That has a big part in me starting this blog in the first place.

I try to always take the opportunity to educate people when they come up and ask me questions, if I have time, but some of these comments are just downright RUDE and ANNOYING!  Besides making strange, and sometimes very rude comments, Ive had grown adults just come right up and start petting my service dog, talking to her, and hugging her! Then Ive had little children, 4 years old, come up and ask me if they can pet my dog, which I can respect.  I try to always talk to the children about what a service dog is and how it should be handled.  The adults, well....I think they should know. Some of them know and dont care....for example, I had a woman come up to me at the grocery store and say (in a little baby voice), "Youre such a pretty doggie! I know Im not supposed to be talking to you, but youre just so cute! Yes, you are!"  What the hell!? How does one respond to such ignorance?

There are a lot of rude people out there, then there are people that genuinely just dont know. Those are the ones I try to talk with and educate about service dogs.

Watch this video, whether you do or do not have a service dog. If you do have a service dog, can you relate to this video?  If you dont, are you one of these people?? If so, stop it.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSn9WO1FCb0

Feel free to share your stories about this issue in the comments section of my blog.  Thanks.

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Neela The Guide Dog Savagely Attacked By Pit Bull

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2743988/Savaged-guide-dog-fit-again.html

I wanted to blog this one, and give it some special attention for a few reasons.

When I originally saw the video of this brutal and vicious pit bull attack on a beautiful, noble guide dog, it made my blood boil! I found it hard to sleep the night I saw this.  The insensitivity and lack of caring on the part of pit bull owners never ceases to amaze me! No matter how many times these vicious dogs attack, maul, maim and kill, their owners STILL refuse to admit the dangerousness of this breed and its threat to public safety.  They STILL DONT CARE!!!  

There are SO many pit bull attacks in which the owners of the mutant pit bull/s just grab their dogs and flee the scene, which is worse than despicable, but this one just takes the cake for me! The woman was walking along, feeling a great sense of independence and freedom, that she now had this noble, and wonderful guide dog to be her eyes for her and give her a new lease on life.  This noble dog, Neela, was doing the work she was so very well trained to do for her blind handler, when a disgusting mutant pit bull, dove out and brutally savaged her, ripping her neck open, and leaving her handler terrified and powerless.  Then, to top it off, the loser, piece- of- shit mutant owner, does the most despicable and unimaginable thing possible....he grabs his ugly, mutant, vicious mauling machine, and flees, leaving the blind woman there, with her injured and bleeding guide dog with no help!    

What kind of person does such a thing???!!! The answer...A PIT BULL OWNER!!! Sorry, but here it is, the proof, in writing.  This is how these people behave! I could go on and on about that, but I wont...because all you have to do is google pit bull attacks, and see for yourself how many times the owners of these beasts just flee the scene after their mutant dogs rip someones innocent pet, or God forbid, someones innocent child, to pieces.....leaving them lying there in a pool of their own blood, with no help in sight.  Read the stories, then scroll down to the comments sections and read the comments that blame the innocent pet, or child for somehow provoking their sweet, gentle, wiggly butt pit bull into mauling them bloody, or dead. Yes, theyre there...all you have to do is look.  You can go to a small, innocent, lovely little childs memorial page....that their parents have tearfully written through the worst grief of their lives, and see the comments by the pit bull cultists that blame that poor child for provoking the dog somehow, as if they somehow deserved to die this early, horrible, and brutal death....RIGHT THERE ON THE CHILDS MEMORIAL PAGE!!!  What kind of people are these for the love of God!??? The answer, PIT BULL OWNERS!

Now, I am disabled. If you follow my blog you know this, you also know that my dog Jade is currently in training to be a service dog. But.....The one disability I cant imagine having, is to be blind.  When I even just try to imagine it, I feel an immense and overwhelming sense of powerlessness, and that is an extremely difficult emotion to endure for even a short time.  I cant imagine feeling that way for longer than a few moments. Dont get me wrong here, I dont want to pity anyone....Im just trying to empathize, or put myself if someone elses shoes (for any pit bull owners that might be reading this).  Im trying to understand what it might be like to be blind, and have to have help to go just about anywhere.  Then, at some point in your life, to acquire, through blood, sweat, tears, patience and a whole lot of money, a new set of eyes, in the form of a beautiful and noble guide dog.  Suddenly, theres new found independence, a new best friend, and a freedom you might NEVER have thought youd have.  What an amazing gift! A true blessing! 

AND....

This is Neela

There you are, walking along, feeling independent and free, guided by your beautiful and noble friend...your guide dog, headed through the train station, going somewhere youve couldnt have gone before without your noble friend. When suddenly a vile, mutant-like creature, with an unquenchable thirst for blood, blasts out and away from its just-as-vile and despicable owner, who thinks its okay to drop the leash, while he has a smoke and a beer, and grabs your noble friend, your set of eyes, around her neck in a sincere effort to kill her dead.  Your whole, entire life has changed in an instant....and there you stand, blind, and confused, feeling such powerlessness as to drop your heart from your chest, as you listen to the scrambling noises, the frightful and gut-wrenching screams of your noble friend, as it tries to escape the death-grip of this vile mutant-like pit bull.  All you can do is feel your way to some semblance of what you hope is safety, and cry out for help, hoping your friend, your eyes, will somehow live through this nightmare.  When its finally over, you hear the gut-wrenching screams of your noble friend stop, and you feel her come to you, finding you in your darkness, even in her own blinding pain, to see if youre okay. You reach down to feel her, tears streaming down your face, your hands shaking, and you know that its blood you feel on her soft, wet fur, and your heart is broken.  Your life is broken.  Luckily, a caring passer-by, a witness, has called for help, and talks to you, helps you.  They tell you what happened, and tell you that the owner of the vile mutant that has broken your dog, your heart, and your life, has taken his dog and fled the scene, without even so much as an apology to you. 

Now you tell me....how does that feel?! 

This is only me, writing about this story, and what Ive read, trying to imagine it happening.  But it didnt happen to me, so I cant really, truly feel what that poor woman felt when this happened to her. I can try to empathize though, something pit bull owners do not have the ability to do, obviously. Make no mistake, this is VERY traumatic, and it doesnt just go away.  Something like this has lasting consequences for the person and the dog, but I wanted to blog this because after all, it has a somewhat happy ending.  The woman and the dog are doing well, not to say that this has not completely changed their lives, but they are okay.  The guide dog, Neela, somehow miraculously survived and even more miraculously is still able to work! This is rare.  There are a lot of service dogs that experience something like this, unfortunately, and can no longer perform their job anymore, if theyre lucky enough to survive, and have to be retired, and the handler has to move on and through the search, training, blood, sweat, tears, patience and money it takes to acquire a new service dog once again. 

The public is NOT educated about service dogs/guide dogs. This is painfully obvious to me when I go out with my service dog. Ive blogged about that previously. THESE ATTACKS NEED TO STOP! People have NO idea what it takes to acquire and/or train a service dog/guide dog, and learn to work together as a team. 

So when you see a service dog team or guide dog team, please have a little respect. Try to understand how it might feel to have someone ask you questions like, "Whats wrong with you?" or "What do you need that dog for?" Please refrain from just reaching out and petting someones service or guide dog, and remember that when you do that, or let your children do that, you are distracting a working dog from doing its job, a very important job. These are not just pets, they are providing a service to their handler and for a good reason.

And...PIT BULL OWNERS, KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A VERY STRONG AND SECURE LEASH! KEEP THEM AWAY FROM SERVICE AND GUIDE DOGS, AND AWAY FROM THE PUBLIC FOR THAT MATTER, WHERE THEY CANT  HURT SOMEONE OR SOMEONES PET. 

IF YOURE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT CHOOSES TO OWN THE MOST DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS TYPE OF DOG OUT THERE, SPARE THE REST OF US FROM THE CONSEQUENCES, PLEASE!  AND IF YOU HAVE BEEN IRRESPONSIBLE AND LET YOUR PIT BULL TYPE DOG HURT SOMEONE OR SOMEONES PET, SERVICE DOG, OR GUIDE DOG....MAKE IT RIGHT!!! DONT BE A COWARD AND A LOSER AND FLEE THE SCENE! 

Now, I do have to say, to be fair, that not ALL pit bull owners are this way. But thats a given, I think.  There are some pit bull owners that would actually apologize for their mutants behavior, and that might even stick around to lend a hand.  Those type of owners, however, are few and far between.  At least that is certainly how it appears when you read about all of these brutal attacks.

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