by Adam Hunter, Editorial Assistant
There was a time when a service dog meant a Seeing Eye dog. Not any longer. More and more, dogs are being trained to perform an array of helpful tasks, making life for tens of thousands not only manageable, but joyful. Here are just a few of the organizations dedicated to bringing together these special animals with the people who need them most.
This group promotes and organizes hospital, nursing home and school visits from furry friends as therapy for the sick and disabled. To get more information, write to 875 124th Avenue NE, Suite 101, Bellevue, WA 98005 or call (425) 226–7357.
The new Therapy Dog title (THD) granted by AKC is proving to be popular with our Pet Partners teams. In the few months since the announcement of the title in June through the end of September 2011, almost 250 dogs in the Pet Partners program have been granted the THD title. The title recognizes AKC-registered dogs and their human companions for significant achievements in helping others by volunteering as a therapy dog team. A list of Pet Partners dogs that have been granted the title is located on Delta Society’s website at www.deltasociety.org/thd.
National Education for Assistance Dog Services
The oldest hearing-dog program in the country. For information write to P.O. Box 213, West Boylston, MA 01583 or call (978) 422–9064.
Canine Companions for IndependenceŽ
Help is a Four-Legged WordTM
Canine Companions for Independence® provides highly-trained assistance
dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge. The
most advanced technology capable of transforming the lives of people
with disabilities has a cold nose and a warm heart! Toll free: 1-800-572-BARK
(2275) National Headquarters: 1-866-CCI-DOGS (224-3647), P.O. Box 446,
Santa Rosa CA 95402-0446
"Friends for Life" by Adam Hunter is reprinted
with permission from Guideposts.
Copyright (c) 2005 by Guideposts, Carmel, New York 10512. All rights
reserved.
