Dekker Answers More Questions About Service Dogs

This is the second of what could be a series if Dekker stays focused long enough, but the chances of that are only good when he is wearing his jacket. When he writes his thoughts in the blog, however, he is laid back and pretty relaxed.

If this is your first time meeting Dekker, you can find out more about him and read his wisdom collection by clicking his photo.

Dekker has added his gift of guidance to TheReflectivePen and invites you to send in your questions.
Below are some questions that he has received and responses from his canine heart.

Dear Dekker,

I have a friend who uses a Seeing-Eye dog.
I understand what his dog does for him, but can you explain
what a service dog does? And what about a therapy dog or assistance dog?
And there are so many labels and laws about where different dogs can go that I get confused.
Thanks, Confused Carl

Woof, Carl. I don’t blame you. I don’t know why people use labels based on what someone does. My only labels are ‘friend’ and ‘not-yet friend.’

I think if people used their nose instead of labels they wouldn’t have to have so many laws. But let me see if I can answer your question.

The jobs are different for every dog. I know a mini schnauzer named Molly whose job is to be the ears for her person who is deaf. She is called a hearing dog.

Jazzy, on the other hand, can pull clothes out of the washing machine for his person who uses a wheelchair and can’t reach that far. They are both service dogs, helping someone with a disability.

I met a golden retriever named Bob this year at a hospital in Boston. He went to NEADS – the same place I was trained – but he was trained to be an assistance dog because he helps all the medical people relax when they are having a stressful day. Stress seems to live in hospitals.

As a service dog I am allowed to go anywhere my person needs to go. Bob, like all assistance dogs, is only allowed to go where he works, like a hospital, school or library, and then home again.

Dogs are obedient to rules because there is always kibble when we don’t break a rule. People need laws because it is hard for them to understand why I can go into a restaurant and their pet dog cannot – even when they are introduced as a ‘therapy’ dog. Woof Woof!! I have never known a nice pet, dog, or cat, that didn’t provide their owners with some kind of therapy! You don’t need a pricey education for that!

I have seen dogs with jackets similar to ours in public places, but it is clear by their behavior they never went to school. It is hard work to learn obedience and actually graduate as a service, hearing or assistance dog. I don’t understand why people can’t learn to be obedient to their laws like a service dog. We know when to ‘leave it’ and when to stay. Perhaps they need a little more kibble to follow their own laws?

Dear Dekker,

Do service dogs ever get to play?
I mean, I see them with their owners, always obedient
and ready for whatever is needed. Do they ever get to be just a dog?
Playful Patti

Woof Woof…of course, Patti!
When my jacket comes off at home I get to do everything that other dogs do. I chase balls, wrestle with two cats who like to clean my ears, and a good game of ‘tug’ keeps me very happy.

One of my favorite games is “put it away” when my person spreads all my toys throughout the house and I have to find them and put them in a toy box.

I know some people have labs who look a lot like me and the first thing they want to do is ruffle my fur and watch me get excited. That is when it gets difficult.

Please tell people to play with their own dogs and not expect me to play when I have my jacket on. I’m working!

Dear Dekker,

What other things do you know how to do besides
companionship and love? I mean, my dog is well-behaved, and
curls up against me whenever I am feeling blue. I am not sure how I could ever live without her.

Blue Betty

Woof Woof, Betty.

I am so glad you have a wonderful dog who loves you this way. If the only thing your dog does well is love, what more could you ask?

Sometimes we dogs feel blue too and it is so nice to have someone to curl up with. And the thing about receiving love in this way is you don’t need kibble. Just time and a place to cuddle.

But you asked about other things I can do.

I can open and close doors. Even the refrigerator door. I can get a can of soda but my person is able to do that for herself. I don’t like to spoil her!

The last time I opened the fridge I yanked the door so hard everything on the door shelves flew across the kitchen.

She never has me to do that anymore. I’m not sure why. I am so good at it.

I also know my right from my left very well. I guess my person must not know because she will say “right” and I go to that side to show her which side that is.

One day outside she fell, so I dropped my ball and returned to where she lay on her back on the ice. I get really focused when things like this happen. I waited for her command and then I barked until some help came.

I go with her everywhere. Once we even went to the hospital for a week. I stayed on her bed without moving. Those beds aren’t very wide, you know. But I have a particular ability to shrink into a little furball.

She calls me her chief safety officer. I guess that describes things enough. Keeping her out of trouble is no easy job!

Dekker answers questions once a month. Feel free to leave a question in the comments and I will have him fetch it.
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Ardis Mayo

I am Ardis Mayo, Soul Care Advocate with a passion to empower you to live your best life possible in all circumstances. Follow me on Twitter - ardismayowriter. Let's have a conversation.