International Guide Dog Day!! 🐶🐶🐶
Welcome to this brand new day! Today is a special day for many - it is International Guide Dog Day!!
(I own no rights to this image)
Guide dogs are most often seen with those who are blind or visually impaired. The handler and dog must have a bond of trust like no other. This may require going to training with each other and/or doing fun activities around the house to build the bond between dog and handler. The dog is trained to get the owner from one place to the next and the next after that. This means avoiding obstacles (i.e. ladder in the middle of the walkway), stopping at elevation changes and slowly helping owner adjust to the change, looking out at oncoming traffic, and remembering common routes/landmarks.
Autism is also another big reason guide dog’s exist. They can help build confidence within the owner as they begin to open up. Also, the guide dogs can alert certain triggers when presented to the patient. They can help do everyday things like getting the paper, raking the grass, and help a person get dressed.
These are just a few of many ways guide dogs serve us. Does anyone have a guide dog or know of someone who has a guide dog? If so, what is life like with a guide dog? If you have anything else you’d like to share please share with us!
Resource:
https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/international-guide-dog-day/
Tagging the team + others: @AffyAvo @ArianaHelps2005 @Artalistens @Azalea98 @azuladragon34 @FrenchMarbles @MyNameIsNicole @SilentSerenityy @SparklingSnowflake15 @whenitsdarklookforstars @wonderfulRainbow817 @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @Bubblegumwings1234
Here, the term guide dog is only used for dogs that assist people who are legally blind.
Service dogs can do a lot more though.
I have been considering getting a dog, due to what I need it for I would have to owner train/work with a trainer. Ideal would be to actually pass the test to have public access, but even if that does not work out, I could be helped out by having a dog that performs medical alert tasks without meeting the criteria for public access. I need to get allergy stuff sorted out first to see if that's even feasible.
@AffyAvo
I hope everything works out for you! I have looked at getting a service dog myself but it is out of price range right now.
@wonderfulRainbow817 I think that's why so many owner train too - cost!
@AffyAvo I'm on my 2nd service dog and owner training:)
@777Bre777 How did you find owner training went?
I'm a bit disappointed, hit sort of the max of what can be done with my allergist. So at this point I just need to get to a point where I feel comfortable just being around a dog and hoping I do not react if it's something I am going to go ahead with.
@AffyAvo it's hard work and Definitely not for everyone. I'm thankful my son is understanding and there to pick up the slack when I fail. I also have a really good and patient trainer who's worked with service dogs. We text when necessary then see each other every month or 2 but she understands. Let me know if you need anything.
@777Bre777
Thanks! If I can get past the allergy aspect I likely will have questions!
@wonderfulRainbow817
Thanks for tagging me in this uber sweet post, Rainbow. ❤
It's wonderful how helpful these furry friends are, totally deserving of the recognition everyday hehe. ❤🐶
@wonderfulRainbow817
awesome post, guide dogs are the best❤️