Sunday, March 24, 2013

Providing Service Dog Equipment For People In Need

By Jill Faulkner


A great way to help society is to donate service dog equipment for Americans with disabilities. Now more than ever these working pets are needed to help many live a more full and independent life. Traditionally these pets were used to help blind people get around, but they are being used by more and more Americans each year.

We have many soldiers who have come back wounded, and they have working pets who assist them in a number of ways. Some of them experienced some degree of brain injury, and their pet protects them in public. They can help with limited sight and hearing patients, especially in an urban environment where the patient might need to cross busy intersections on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, some people react to those who utilize working pets in a negative manner, not understanding that there is more to it than simply aid to the blind. Just because a person does not have a white cane and a pair of sunglasses, does not mean that the animal is not a working pet. Not all disabilities are completely obvious to the casual observer.

Some people have even been known to kick these animals, which is not only a terrible thing to do, but the owner can press charges. These animals are trained in a very specific way, and they will usually not defend themselves. It is shameful for someone to attempt to injure such a pet out of their own fear.

If anyone wishes to help one of these wounded warriors, they can purchase and donate any of a number of items that will help identify their working animal. Harnesses, capes, and jackets are all available which will identify the animal for what it is, and possibly have the name of the pet as well. This goes a long way towards preventing misunderstanding, and helping to keep these sweet animals safe.

One can also pay for training hours for organizations like Pets for Vets. The specialized training an animal must receive in order to learn how to provide this service can be overwhelming to an individual trying to live on a Social Security pension. By donating money to train an animal specific to the needs of a particular Vet, you help support the troops wounded in the Persian Gulf.

Not only are animals utilized for Vets, but autistic children have been found to respond very well to pets. Not only can it give the child a means to connect with the outside world, but these animals can also help protect the children. I am sure most people would agree that most bullies are not likely to mess with a kid who walks around school with a big black German Shepherd at their side.

Anyone looking for a charitable option in order to lower their tax burden next year should consider donating training hours or service dog equipment. Not only that, but educating the public, as well as schools and universities, regarding the importance of these animals is needed. Educational establishments, apartment complexes, and the TSA need to be better informed.




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