If you've ever had a pet, you know how much joy, company, and comfort they bring. So, think about how important assistance dogs are for the people they help out.
On this International Dog Day, it is a time to celebrate the special bond between humans and dogs. Beyond just being pets, dogs play crucial roles as guide or support animals, providing invaluable assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs. These incredible animals offer not only companionship but also unwavering loyalty, love, and comfort to their human companions.
Whether it's a guide dog leading a visually impaired person safely through their day or a therapy dog bringing joy and emotional support to those in need, the impact of these furry friends is immeasurable.
Who needs a guide dog?
Although Guide Dogs are widely known for assisting people with visual impairments or mobility issues, their responsibilities go beyond that. Different kinds of service dogs undergo training to offer aid, assistance, love, and companionship to individuals with diverse requirements.
Those who may benefit from the support of a service dog include:
People with disabilities
Elderly individuals needing help with daily living
Children coping with social or behavioral difficulties
Individuals experiencing loneliness due to age or illness
Different people, Different Dogs
Most of us are familiar with Guide Dogs that have finished their training. These dogs, usually Golden Retrievers or Labradors, are taught to help their owners live independently and move around their homes and communities securely and without hindrance. They assist their owners in maneuvering through different locations like residences, busy streets, shopping districts, road intersections, and more.
These smart, well-trained dogs are like perfect matches for their owners, doing amazing and lovely work. They're not the only ones helping out though – service dogs also bring care and support to our communities.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs provide comfort, companionship and emotional support to individuals and families experiencing behavioural, emotional or mental health issues. They assist people with physical disabilities, isolation or illness. Therapy dogs can accompany their owners into settings such as schools and workplaces so they may continue to function in the community, with the safety and security of their companion by their side.
Facility Dogs
As the name suggests, these dogs help people in facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, aged care, rehabilitation or mental wellness centres. Their work might involve encouraging people to participate in a class or program, providing company to people who are physically isolated or uncomfortable in social situations. They may help people to move beyond a challenge – physical or emotional – or simply provide calm and reassurance where its needed. Facility dogs work with counsellors, psychologists, nurses and rehabilitation therapists.
Autism Assistance Dogs
These special animals are trained to work very closely with their young human friends who may be as young as 3 years old. Autism assistance dogs help children who have difficulty in verbal and non-verbal communication, limited social interaction and impaired daily function. These dogs promote positive social interactions and help children develop the skills and confidence to more readily participate in the community. Their calming nature and companionship provide a sense of safety, security and comfort and promotes positive behavioural change.
This brief look at the roles of guide and service dogs gives insight into the value they bring to their owners' lives. Beyond this, their support helps whole families, caregivers, and entire communities, helping more people become comfortable, safe, and active participants.
If you or someone you know might benefit from a service dog, or if you'd like to offer support for the ongoing training of these amazing animals, follow the link below:
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