Dogs on the Job

Service dogs have been defined as animals that are trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities (Wikipedia). These animals serve many purposes for each type of disability. Protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act these loyal companions help those with visual and auditory impairment, those with PTSD, diabetes, paralysis, MS, cancer, autism, epilepsy, etc. Service dogs are trained to call 911, assist during seizures, and to calm down people who have PTSD (usdogregistry.org). "According to the University of Arizona, 0.9% of persons with disabilities are partnered with service dogs. In 1990, Congress found that there were 43 million Americans with disabilities, suggesting there are approximately 387,000 service dogs across the US." (servicedogcentral.org).

Another type of service dog is the police dog. The most common breeds of police dog are the German Shepherd, beagles, Labrador retrievers, Doberman pinschers, Bloodhounds, and the Belgian Malinois. Police dogs are defined as "K-9's" or "K9's" in some English speaking countries that are trained to assist police and other law enforcement in their work (Wikipedia). The work of police dogs consists of searching for drugs and explosives, looking for lost people and crime scene evidence, and protecting their handlers (Wikipedia). K9's often retire at about 10 years of age(nationalpolicedogfoundation.org).

Dogs are the most common species of service animal due to their trainability, intelligence, and loyalty. Service dogs are found more commonly in western countries most likely because of the values Westerners have it comes to dogs and their treatment as more than just pets. Reliable, trustworthy, and man's best friend- canines are the best species for the job when it come to service.

Breed of the Week: Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular breeds in both the U.S and the U.K. They have an average lifespan of 12-13 years and are often used as guide dogs for those with physical and or mental disabilities. These dogs usually symbolize intelligence, trainability, playfulness, and loyalty. This breed of dog often are a staple in families because of their classic brand of loyalty and trainability. This has been your "Breed of the Week".

Why Blog About Dogs?

I made this blog to highlight a light in my life. I want to discuss my dog, my experience having a pet, losing a pet, and why we as humans seek the companionship of another species to fill voids in our lives when we feel lonely. Why can't we turn to each other?Why do we in the U.S spend so much money on our pets? Why do we feel an obligation to save strays and give our pets the world? The difference between the treatment of dogs in the U.S compared to other countries around the world is astonishingly different. Our canine companions hold a special place in our American society. Why are they a staple in the 'typical' family-oriented household? Why are we so attached to these animals that we adopt and care for? Why do we see the death of  a pet as a death in our family? What do different breeds of dogs symbolize and why do they emulate that? If you have ever had a dog, or even a pet you know the magic they can bring into your life. The feeling of looking at another living being and knowing you have their unconditional love and acceptance is indescribable.