September is National Service Dog Month! Here's Why Service Dogs are So Important
Did you know that September is National Service Dog Month? The first service dogs were trained in the 1920s, and since then, they have been important support systems for people with disabilities, military veterans, and many others in many different ways. In fact, you may remember the team of service dogs that arrived in Orlando in 2016 shortly after the Pulse tragedy to comfort survivors and their families and friends. Dogs are incredible companions, and when they’re trained to carry out a duty, they perform it to the fullest of their abilities.
Service dogs provide incredibly important services for individuals and groups around the world. Here are just some of the reasons why they deserve to be celebrated this month and every month.
Service Dogs Serve as Alert Systems
Many people with epilepsy and other such conditions that may leave them incapacitated have service dogs who act as monitors and alert systems. Some dogs are trained to lay in certain positions to help stabilize their owners during an emergency; others know how to alert other humans in the house if their owners are in trouble. Incredibly, dogs have the innate ability to sense a seizure before it happens, so they are able to alert their owners ahead of time so they can position themselves away from danger.
Service Dogs Serve as Extra Hands
Service dogs are also steadfast companions for people struggling with injuries or chronic illnesses that make walking a difficult task. Dogs can be trained to provide stability if falling is a pressing concern. They can also help pull or carry items that their owners are unable to handle on their own. Some dogs can even carry out more complex tasks like operating light switches, fetching specific items, and opening and closing doors. For people with limited mobility, they’re helpful friends to have around.
Service Dogs Offer Emotional Support, Too
While the AKC has had strong data about the physical support abilities of service dogs for a long time, the emotional benefits of service dogs have only been a topic of discussion in more recent years. In surveys conducted by the AKC, they found that service dog owners reported higher levels of confidence, “a higher overall quality of life and better emotional, social, and work or school experiences,” according to the AKC study.
We know that non-service dogs make the best companions; likewise, service dogs provide loving companionship for those who are differently abled. Life just wouldn’t be the same without dogs, and we think they deserve to be celebrated today and every day! Do you own a service dog? How has your life changed since they joined your family?