Companion/Service Animals

 10.22.2022

If you've ever known anyone with a SERVICE or COMPANION animal, and you know the reason for said animal, you quickly understand the benefits of the relationship. I would think any pet owner would.

Here are some different types and reasons types of healing for them:

• PTSD-Often "invisible wounds" that occur during times of war. Physical and/or psychological trauma, and  at times both, brings with it great depression, as one could imagine.
• The human-animal bond as a way to help people overcome many of the emotional impacts of their conditions.  
• COMPANION ANIMALS are just another word for a family pet. Think Fido and Fluffy.
• SERVICE ANIMALS are one who is trained to perform specific tasks on behalf of a disabled individual. See The American Disabilities Act (ADA).

The therapeutic abilities of the everyday COMPANION dogs and cats. We all know the love generated. It is why we focus solely on companion pets to achieve our mission.

The term SERVICE animal includes a wide range of animals highly trained for specific types of needs, such as signal dogs for the deaf, or seeing eye or guide dogs for the blind.

I dedicate this blog entry to the gentleman in front of me in line at the CVS yesterday. He was carrying a small fog in his arms, and I immediately said hi to the man & his pup. I instinctively started softly speaking to the pup, scratching behind it's ears & under it's chin. When I stopped, it wanted more. It smiled at me. I backed away the proper 6' distance, and then a woman engaged the man in the same manner. But she asked if it was a SERVICE dog. He said yes. I touched his shoulder, apologizing, and said I was so sorry. He was really gracious. He did not forgive me though, just nodded & kind of chuckled. Lesson learned. I knew not to approach SERVICE or COMPANION animals. In my own defense, the pup had no identifying gear on. Shame on me for even assuming, though.

Learn from my mistake. As a guy with a HUGE love for kids & animals, I always tend to approach, usually seeking consent. But I didn't. It should be part of the golden rule.

Thank you for stopping by.