Parnell Living Science is celebrating International Assistance Dog Week! This week was created to recognize all the hard-working assistance dogs and the individuals who raise and train them. The duties they perform include helping people of all ages with a variety of medical issues, as well as working with police and military service personnel.
Service dogs are raised and trained by selfless professionals whose life mission is to pass the dog on to someone who needs assistance at home to help with their daily lives. This week is dedicated to all of these people who make it possible for service dogs to help in their new homes.
We have become accustomed to seeing humans with service dogs. They are clearly identified, wearing a vest or patch signifying their important role. Most people know these dogs are doing a job and should not be disturbed, petted or side-tracked from their jobs.
However, thanks to a person who relies on her service dog, service animals are now trending this week with an important message. A pet parent who relies on her dog as a service animal had an experience she felt was worthy to post a PSA about. Here’s the kicker: it went viral on Twitter this past week. Several national news organizations have a story to answer a question many didn’t even think to ask:
What do you do if you see a service dog without their human?
Here’s the answer: If you see a service dog approach you without its owner, it means their owner is most likely in need of help. Follow the dog to see where it goes. This was the message of the PSA which now has been seen by over 187,000 people on Twitter so far.
A service dog will nudge your leg with their nose, which is what they are trained to do. Don’t get irritated or push them away. Instead ask “Where is your Mom/Dad?” or follow the dog wherever they lead you.
Many service dogs are taught to move to another person if the first one doesn’t react or reacts negatively to the dog. The reality is those precious seconds could mean life or death for their owner.
In recognition of International Assistance Dog Week, here are a few more articles to educate others about service dogs:
Share this post, or read and share these articles about service dogs from International Assistance Dog Week! #AssistanceDogWeek #GlydeDog
