He's So Well Behaved...Can I Take Your Dog Home With Me?

You'd be surprised at the comments you hear when you're out in public with a service dog. Take a look at this funny video to hear some of the things people have said to this service dog handler:

I wrote the following post for the Waterloo Region Family Network blog in November of 2010 to raise awareness about service dogs and how they can help children with developmental disabilities. I thought I'd run it again here to explain the role that our service dog, Bentley plays in Carter's life. 

Boys Best Friend

Bentley is a seventeen month old yellow lab who came to live with our family a week ago. He will be my son Carter’s service dog. I have been walking Bentley regularly to become more comfortable handling him so that he and I can work together to help my son.

It’s true what they say about babies and puppies; if you're accompanied by either one, you're sure to get a lot of attention. When walking through my neighbourhood I've had others who are out walking pepper me with questions about Bentley: How old is he? When did you get him? The usual kinds of things. And then there's the inevitable comment about what a well behaved dog he is. When I mention that Bentley is a fully trained service dog I get blank stares in response.

I'm guessing that most people are familiar with guide dogs that aid people with visual impairments, but beyond that they haven't been exposed to service dogs that provide help to children with developmental disabilities.

Take a look at the list of ways a service dog can benefit a child with a developmental disability or autism (from the Autism Dog Services website):

• Improve safety and security at home, in public, and at school.
• Help prevent a child from bolting into traffic or other dangerous situations.
• Provide independence, allowing the child to walk holding their dog rather than a parent’s hand.
• Lend support and a calming influence to the child as they cope in highly stressful situations and changes in routine.
• Allow greater freedom for families to participate in outings and activities.
• Help with transitioning and behaviour when out in public.
• Help improve socialization skills by bridging the gap between children with developmental disabilities and society.
• Act as a constant companion, offering unconditional love and friendship.

For Carter, one of the greatest benefits a service dog can provide is an increased level of independence. With practise, Carter will eventually hold on to the handle on Bentley's jacket rather than the hand of an adult when out in public. Carter is easily distracted by all that is going on around him during outings and it can be quite a challenge keeping him focused and moving forward. Bentley will act as his anchor as they walk along together.

Carter is non-verbal and interacts and communicates in a unique way. When in public, if people see that he is with a service dog, my hope is that he will receive acceptance instead of questioning stares. Hopefully Bentley will draw people to Carter in a positive way and maybe even create opportunities for him to meet some new friends.

Carter’s siblings are often invited to birthday parties and play dates. Unfortunately, social outings like these are few and far between for Carter. Although having a dog is not the same as being invited out with friends, Bentley will be a loyal companion who will love Carter unconditionally.

To learn more about service dogs check out these websites:

http://www.autismdogservices.ca/
http://www.nsd.on.ca/
http://www.copedogs.org/     

Bentley's Biz: The Holiday Season's Got Me Dog Tired

Thought I'd stop in to chew the fat about some tail-waggin' things that have been keeping me busy lately.

I've been doing my fair share of work (as my boy, Carter would say, 'Bentley coat on.') But I've also had my share of play time with the kids—there's been some serious tobogganing and skating going on. I sure love snow, except when my darn ball gets lost in the stuff and I can't sniff it out!

Carter's been to a few appointments and I went along for support. Nothing stressful like visiting the dentist. He saw some people about speech stuff. I'm always falling asleep wherever we go so  all I can tell you about the appointment is that the building was nice but the floors were kind of cool and not very cozy for napping. Although that didn't stop me.

Hmmm...what else? I did some shopping with Carter's Mom during the Christmas season. Boy, the stores were busy. Watching the people scurry around the mall, I couldn't help but ask myself, 'Who let loose the hounds?'

And, I've been spending a lot of time in arenas. Carter loves him some hockey—especially when it's his brother Jack out on the ice. When Jack has a home game, we're always there to cheer him on. Arf!

We get lots of attention whenever we go out. People stare at us (er, me). Some even come over and tell Carter's Mom what a good looking dog I am. I usually have a nervous yawn and then go into my downward dog position before I lie down and look the other way (shucks, it's kind of embarrassing). Some of those folks come right over and pet me without asking. Carter's Mom's got a real bone to pick with people like that. If my coat is on it means I'm working, people! Sheesh, what's that saying you humans have, call off the dogs? How about call off the humans?

Around home there have been lots of people coming and going for Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. That means more crumbs and food for me to clean up off the floor. You could say it's a bit of a dog's breakfast, but I'm not complaining. Turkey, dressing, baked goods—yum!

You're probably wanting to hear about what a hot dog my boy Carter's been lately. So enough about me.

Carter using his talker to tell about the toys he got from Santa.

He's being a real pit bull when it comes to his letters. He's starting to spell on his talker and he's starting to read!

His Mom pulled out a Memory Matching game the other day. The game has word cards and each word card has a matching picture card. She put down some of the cards and Carter matched up the pictures with the words (and vice versa). Carter's mom was so excited. I just know her inner tail was wagging.

I heard Carter's Mom telling Carter's Dad that Carter would try to spell out any words that he didn't know on his talker. That's my boy!

I guess she tried to throw my boy off scent by putting down four words that all started with 'c'. Quick as a dog can lick a dish, Carter fetched the cards and matched them with the right word or picture. There was no fooling him.

I always knew he was the pick of the litter (and I think his Mom knows it too). Thank goodness he finally has a dog's chance to show everyone what he's capable of.

I can't wait to see what he does in 2013!


2012...leave it!

2013...bring it!

P.S. Santa was good to me. He left me a beef flavoured candy cane and a bunch of other treats in my stocking - yum!

To read more of Bentley's Biz click here.