MEDICAL
SERVICE/ASSISTANCE
|
When people think of medical service dogs, they usually think of a seeing-eye dog, or perhaps, they think of the therapy dog (Please note, a Therapy dog is not the same as a medical assistance dog) visiting the nursing homes and hospitals. While a working dog for the blind is a service/assistance dog, there are various and amazing jobs that these incredible German Shepherds can be trained to do.
We start by breeding only those parents that are certified for physical soundness and with proven intelligence and a strong work ethic through titling and certifications. They must be very social and eager to please or they don’t qualify for our breeding program. |
Our German Shepherds that have jobs as medical assistance dogs do things such as alerting for help, alerting prior to someone having a seizure so the person can position themselves safely or call for help. They can learn to alert someone of an insulin change so as to prevent a diabetic coma. They can turn on lights, open doors, retrieve dropped items or stand for someone to pull himself or herself up from a fall. They can wear a special mobility vest for those that have balance issues. We also have German Shepherds that are emotional support service dogs. These are dogs that provide emotional support to an individual with a mental health related disability. They instill incredible mental and/or emotional stability and calmness in people with high anxiety, autism and other mental health challenges. Our German Shepherds can be taught to pull wheelchairs, carry lifesaving medications or call for help and more.
This youngster is in training. We build a very specialized foundation at a young age. The process starts shortly after the puppies are born by utilizing the Neuro Stimulation Program, Confidence Enhancing, Socialization with people and other animals, Basic Obedience, Puppy Agility, etc. |
We feel it is important to educate the public on the laws concerning service dogs as they are not as accustomed to seeing working service dogs, other than seeing-eye dogs. As a rule, service dogs are allowed to go anywhere that the general public goes. That includes any privately owned businesses that serve the public such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxi’s, theaters, concerts, sports facilities, etc. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that businesses allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are allowed. If you enter a business and are told that you cannot bring your dog inside, you simply tell them that you have a disability and that this is your service dog. By law, a business is not allowed to ask you what your disability is, nor can they demand proof that your dog is “certified”. Each state may have additional laws that provide protection to service dogs and the people they serve. You may want to read further information on Florida laws.
|
In addition, a service dog is also legally permitted to travel on any public transit system with their owner (not in cargo) including buses, trains, boats, planes, etc. For complete information on traveling with your service dog, please review the special set of regulations dealing with airline travel.
We have young dogs available that have been raised with the unique foundation necessary for assuming the very special role of being trained as a medical service/assistance dog. |
It is truly incredible when you find out all of the things our German Shepherd medical service dog’s can really do to help people live a more independent life. These very special dogs help to give people back their self-confidence and independence. We are so often told how vulnerable a disabled person feels in a crowd or maneuvering a large public area such as an airport. With their loyal and highly trained service dog at their side, disabled people often forget about the challenges they faced prior to having this wonderful support system.
My life is so much fuller with the addition of Dalen. I never would have thought a dog could be so much help to me. Even though I've had dogs all of my life, and would be lost without them, I truly would be lost without Dalen. I suffer from chronic allergies to insect bites, which often result in me going into anaphylactic shock if I don't get to my meds in time. Because of this, I would never feel safe doing any kind of outside activity, especially living in Florida - the ant capital of the world. Now with Dalen at my side, I spend much more time outside. He carries my meds and instructions in his service jacket. Should I loose consciousness as a result of a bite, he will sit by me barking to alert until someone arrives. Upon their arrival, he then allows them to take my meds and instructions from his jacket and administer them to me. I no longer worry about passing out and being left to die. I had also developed terrible anxiety while driving on the freeway. Due to pure fear, it had been two years since I had ventured onto a highway. Now, with Dalen in the vehicle, I drive everywhere. He seems to know and will stand right by my seat, keep his head near my hand and insist that I pet him, keeping my anxiety at bay and enabling me to tackle my fear. He is my guardian angel for sure. I attribute a lot of his abilities to the solid upbringing he received as a puppy. Along with receiving the neuro stimulation program, he was introduced to several different surfaces and obstacles at a very young age and now does things with ease, such as riding in elevators and on escalators with no problems. I just hope that others are as lucky as I am and have the pleasure of having a service dog and companion like Dalen. |
This is Murphy with his 5-year-old special needs child. As you can see, Murphy is extremely patient and totally understands his special role to this young boy. Murphy is the current sire of several of our puppies, some of who are destine to become medical service dogs.
Pat has been through so much. He has been fighting a brain tumor for almost two years. He has suffered a stroke that has left him with severe visual deficits. He has had many surgeries and hospitalizations. Our loving dog Murphy suffered as well. He watched his owner several times be taken away by ambulance. He knows the Fireman/EMTs come to help. He has never uttered one single bark when they arrive. He simply sits and watches. He stays quiet and somber until Pat returns home. When he sees the walker or wheelchair coming toward him, he gets up and moves to allow Pat through. Pat and Murphy used to walk 1-2 miles a day. Pat can no longer walk those distances. But, his trusty companion follows him anywhere. Whether on a motorized scooter, a wheelchair, or using a rolling walker. Murphy is right there by his side. We have now have the added pleasure of Murphy's son Gator at our home. Although, Gator is only a pup, he seems to be aware that Pat is handicapped. He is very gentle with Pat. He brighten's our lives in many ways. Just watching him with his puppy antics is a great distraction for our family. We have endured so much pain with Pat's illness. This puppy truly shines a light on our lives. He has inspired Pat to get up in the morning with his walker and let Gator outside for his morning business. That might not sound like a big deal to the rest of us. Trust me, it is a big deal for someone who is disabled. Gator has lifted my spirits as well. Being the caretaker is difficult and draining. A puppy brings so much to your psychological well being.
|
