Lucky PAWS In Action

Lucky PAWS in Action

This white factored tricolor Smooth Collie has just earned his certification from Paws With A Cause, his training organization, by successfully completing over sixty tasks. He is owned and handled by his partner, Melanie "Quint" Meenen.

The collective term for a canine that helps people with disabilities is an assistance dog. There are many types of assistance dogs. They are usually identified by the type of assistance they provide. Assistance dogs, like Lucky, are called service dogs. Their daily tasks might include pulling wheelchairs, opening commercial doors, answering the phone, and retrieving dropped objects.

Lucky looks like an old pro completing this transaction at the cookie counter.

Assistance dogs bridge the gap for wheelchair users. This picture demonstrates Lucky completing a transaction.

Dogs that assist people with hearing losses are called hearing dogs. A hearing dog alerts their handler to sounds in the environment by taking the handler to the sound source. Guide dogs are also under the umbrella term of assistance dog. The visually impaired handler is guided around obstacles by the guide dog. The dog has to learn when it is intelligent to disobey a command given by the handler.

For those of us lucky enough to be partnered with an incredible canine helpmate, we know their assistance is like none other. They are even more loving than they are helpful if you can imagine that! To those who ask the age old question, "Do they ever get to be just a dog?", I say, "yes, yes", and a hearty "of course!" Although they really are the happiest when they are working, their lives are balanced with work and play.

Lucky is relaxing on a pillow. His life is not all work!

Taking a pause in the action.

Here's How You Can Help Assistance Dog Teams

1) Do not talk to an assistance dog.

Calling the dog's name is a distraction. Do you turn to look when someone calls your name? An assistance dog will do this also. Imagine this happening while guiding the partner across a street! Assistance dogs have to remain focused and on task.

2) Do not feed an assistance dog.

The partner is responsible for the dog's health. Working dogs require proper nutrition to perform in peak condition. Dogs, like people, can have allergies to certain foods and dyes so they must be avoided.

3) Do not pet an assistance dog.

Petting is a distraction which takes the dog's focus away from work. It may also encourage the dog to seek attention. Quality of work and the team's saftey will be compromised under these circumstances.

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