National Service Dog Month

Photo Credit: Adam Griffith

September is National Service Dog Month

A time devoted to raising awareness and showing appreciation for the extraordinary work service dogs do every day for the people in their care. Join us in celebrating and honoring these special heroes who dedicate their lives to help their human companions.

Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. They can be trained to retrieve objects, assist with balance, give seizure or diabetic alerts, or assist those with psychiatric disabilities. They also serve our nation’s wounded warriors suffering from conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. Service dogs provide companionship while inspiring confidence and they live to serve and assist their handlers. With the help of a service dog, humans can better manage disabilities and live fuller lives.

These special pups exemplify the amazing healing power of the human-animal bond. We all know dogs are a wo/man’s best friend – they are loyal, devoted, loving, dependable and typically cuddly. However, research shows living with a canine companion can also provide physical benefits varying from improved cardiovascular health and increased physical activity to lower cholesterol and decreased blood pressure. They also can give support and a sense of calm for our daily emotional and psychological stresses. This month and every month, we recognize the heroic work of service dogs across the world.