Service Dogs

One of my dearest friends is down visiting me for a week. We have been close for about ten years now. I was also pleased to see her guide dog again as well. Once, when I was out with them, I started to fall off a very steep step and Copper pushed me forward so that I was able to stand back up.

I love to observe any kind of service animal at work. However, I am careful to never distract or talk to the dog. The dog may become excited and pull on his handler in order to meet me. I speak to the handler and not the dog. I never ask what their disability is, but I do ask if they would be willing to share with me what their dog does for them, and if I could help them with something.

Please do not distract assistance dogs in any way. You may accidently cause harm to an innocent person.

More than a week of rain

Yes, that seems to be all we have here in Florida right now. But it has not changed the work routine for my dog, or any that I work with. The lighting will stop me, but without that, I just change my wet clothes and keep going.

In the time of the pony express, the men said the pony ran in all weather. Dogs will work in rain too. Especially sheep dogs. Sheep are not smart at all, they tend to head for the low dry ground if separated from the flock. Flash floods would kill them without the ever faithful dog.

By no means am I saying to risk your health. I am simply reminding all to remember the importance of keeping your dog active. Treadmills are a great option for rainy days.