A service dog in New Mexico, that also happens to be a pit bull mix, can continue helping his owner, thanks to federal law. Local officials finally accepted that their town ordinance banning the breed had to take second place to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Local History Tjeras is a tiny town in Read More
Military dogs in Afghanistan protect their soldier partners by sniffing out bombs. They also provide a connection to normal life and home. There’s nothing more real than a dog’s sloppy kisses. The connection between human and dog, under enemy fire and so far from home, grows stronger and stronger over the tour of duty. But Read More
It’s not easy for any military vet to switch successfully from a life in Afghanistan, centered on a war, to small town life in Texas, centered around a wife and two kids. For one who deals with the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, it can be unworkable. That was the difficult situation facing McLean Read More
Broad support is growing for legislation that improves the chances for vets and people in the military to get emotional support animals. Groups like the Humane Society, animal rights activities and lawmakers are joining forces to get the laws passed in Congress. The Legislation The bundle of laws being proposed covers several aspects of support Read More
Service dogs bring comfort to people under stress. There are few situations more stressful than testifying in court, especially if you’re a child and a victim of a violent crime. In Indiana, the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office saw the connection and hired Nanook, a labradoodle, to make testifying easier. Molestation Case Success A savage molestation Read More
Ask a vet with a service dog and he’ll tell you story after story about how his companion has helped him through depression and anxiety and back to a more normal life. But according to the Veteran’s Administration, that’s just anecdotal evidence. They want scientific proof. And without it, they have no intention of putting Read More
A dog at a funeral? Conventional thought would say it’s disrespectful. But a funeral home in Austin, Texas, has discovered how comforting a therapy dog can be to grieving family and friends. Kermit, a border collie, is a certified therapy dog working his magic at Affordable Burial and Cremation in Austin. A First Kermit is Read More
Who needs a boyfriend to go to prom when you have a handsome service dog like Percie. That’s right Claire and Percie were the perfect prom couple. She in her burgundy gown. Percie wearing matching burgundy roses. Actually Claire did have a boy escort her to prom along with Percie, I bet her Dad was Read More
A two-year study is underway, seeking scientific proof that service dogs help military vets suffering from PTSD. Conducted by Purdue University researchers, the project is led by Maggie O’Haire, professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Many Stories, Little Scientific Data Service dogs help vets with psychological, as well as physical, challenges. With the proper Read More
Dogs and balls are a natural pairing. “Fetch” is a common command for a family dog. So why not an entire baseball team? And that’s why Remington the Golden Retriever is now the official Psychiatric Medical Alert Facility Rehabilitation Service Dog for the University of North Carolina baseball team. In short, he is a service Read More
