Service dogs come in all shapes and sizes
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
Carolyn L. Cheney
Board of Directors
Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and many of us have dogs that we consider members of our family. If they are like my Henry, they rule our lives. Without them, our homes would be clean and there would be no barking, but for me — and I know for many folks — we will stand for some fur on the furniture and the barking.
Without our dogs, our lives would be pretty lonely and incomplete. However, some dogs have very important jobs to do, and these dogs are known as service dogs. They just don’t lie around like my Henry and wait for his next meal or a walk.
Assistance dogs are trained to help people with mental or physical disabilities, enabling folks to lead more independent lives. Often sight-impaired individuals have highly-trained service dogs.
Recently, assistance dogs have been trained to work with children who have autism. This has been proven quite successful. Generally the dogs are young (between 12 to 18 months); when placed with the children so they can adapt to and accept the children’s behavior.
When I was on a train trip, I met a lady who had a small dog with her. He had a vest on as a certified therapy dog. She told me he helped her with anxiety issues. Golden and Labrador retrievers are considered excellent assistance dogs.
Rescue dogs are used in very difficult conditions such as searching for people who have been buried by an avalanche. These dogs — often Newfoundlands and St. Bernards — must be very smart and have the stamina and skill to do their jobs.
Rescue dogs are often used to search for and rescue people in natural disasters like hurricanes and large-casualty events. I remember watching on TV the horrible disaster of 9-11 and all of the dogs searching for the buried people. I think many people realize the importance of dogs when watching the rescue events. Many dogs can be trained to do this work; however, large breeds in the sporting and hound classes are frequently used. The dogs need to be highly trained to detect human scent. Remembering 9-11, I believe many German Sheperds were used.
Personal protection dogs are used to protect their owners and homes. These dogs are highly trained, strong, intelligent and totally devoted to their owners. The Doberman, Giant Schnauzer and the Boxer are considered excellent for personal protection dogs.
A sled dogs is another kind of rescue dog; when I hear the word “sled dog,” I immediately think of dog races. However, sled dogs are used to carry supplies and heavy loads and help many people in certain parts of the country where automobile travel is not possible. Dogs in this category must like the cold. The Samoyed, Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute make excellent sled dogs.
The above is a small sampling of some of the wonderful roles dogs play. Dogs work in so many other areas such as the military and law enforcement. Dogs are wonderful pets and companions, but they also serve a very useful and needed purpose in many aspects of life.
Please visit us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle. An animal is a wonderful companion. You can talk to them and they listen and they don’t talk back. We have many animals waiting for another chance to have a loving home. The shelter is located at 29 Cross Street near the Northern Maine Regional Airport.
