Dogs

Because the social structure of the dog pack is so similar to the human social structure, it is relatively easy for dogs and humans to live closely, communicate effectively and to form strong bonds. Many dogs fulfill vital roles in our lives, providing protection, companionship and to those who are elderly and alone, a reason for living. They fulfill the role of surrogate children for many couples, and for those with a disability, help them lead more fulfilling lives. Dogs are now not only guiding the blind, but are also acting as ears for the deaf, hands and feet for the physically disabled and offering advanced warnings of seizures in epileptics. Dog’s patrol our borders, detecting drugs, and work with police to help in the tracking down and arrest of criminals. They detect bombs and rescue people trapped in fallen buildings or under avalanches, and so provide a constant source of help in our dire moments of need.

DISABILITY DOGS

Dogs are used increasingly to assist people with limited mobility. They are trained to open doors, fetch clothing fetch telephones, fetch walking sticks, fetch the mail and  even to load and unload washing machines and dryers.

Due to this assistance, these dogs make a huge difference to their owner’s lives, helping them to be partly independent of other humans: for some disabled people, the constant presence of a human helper is bad for their self-esteem, making them feel inadequate

The dog is both companion and helper and does not watch its owner with pity or condescension. In fact, the dogs seem to really enjoy their daily tasks and will often spontaneously bring objects to their owners which they think they might require.