When a person first thinks of an Assistance Dog, they might first and only think of a guide dog. These are dogs specifically trained to guide individuals who or blind or visually impaired. However, these guiders are only one type of many categories of assistance dogs.
At Putnam Service Dogs, we specifically work with and train service dogs; a dog that works for individuals with disabilities other than blindness and deafness. So who do service dogs serve?
Service Dogs are professionally trained dogs that help people who rely on powered or manual wheelchairs, those who experience balance issues, or individuals with various degrees of autism. Additionally, they help people who need to be alerted to medical conditions (for example; low blood sugar or seizures). Service dogs are trained to fall specifically into individual categories.
Mobility Assistance Dogs can help their person by:
- Retrieving dropped objects
- Pushing elevator and automatic door buttons
- Opening and closing doors and drawers
- Turning on and off light switches
- Barking to indicate help is needed
- Providing balance and counterbalance
- Assist in dressing
The ability for these dogs to offer their skills is life changing for the recipient. When you lose the ability to do basic tasks like picking up a dropped fork or getting dressed in the morning, it can be frustrating and painful making the rest of the day can feel impossible. Having a happy dog that loves unconditionally to be a support in these activities can make all the difference; not just in feeling better physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Read real stories of how our mobility assistance dogs have helped our clients
Take Maria and Bella’s story for example. Maria had been battling a cancer that has affected her motor functions. Her new service dog Bella filled her home with positive energy, happiness, and a calm that had been missing since her diagnosis.
Darren’s father-in-law suffers from a traumatic brain injury. Since adopting service dog Callie, he feels much more comfortable going out in public and his family has seen a major change in him.
Curious if a mobility assistance service dog is right for you? Contact us by phone, email, or message us through our website to learn more.