I just read a fantastic article on service dogs on the For the Love of the Dog blog and am referring you to that article via this link.
As I commented on Deanna’s blog, if I had my life to live over again, I would definitely train to be a service dog trainer. I LOVE service dogs more then anything. I’m not sure why I just feel a great affinity for them. When encountering service dogs, I know it is incorrect to pet them or to distract them in any way from their work. But I always make eye contact with them and send them the energy of my hero worship for them. I know they get it, just by the look they send back to me.
When the police dog Nitro lost his life in January of 2006 in the line of duty, I was inconsolable for days and still I get choked up about it. I went to the memorial service they had for him and told no one I was going. Just left work and went way across town, stood quietly in the back and cried. But I was also thrilled to pieces to see all the police dogs from across BC and Alberta there paying tribute to a great dog who loved his worked and died for it. That was a very special day in my life that I don’t speak about very often.
Vancouver police dog Nitro dies chasing suspect
If I had my life to do over, if I was strong enough, I would train police dogs. And if not police dogs, then service dogs of any kind for sure. They are truly my heroes.
Be sure to check out Deanna’s blog for lots of information about just what service dogs do for us humans who look the other way when they are being abused and mistreated.
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An interesting article and had a giggle with the video clip as well!