Healthcare

Modern public service agencies and non-profit groups are looking at how “man’s best friends” can be a good resource for the disabled, including children and adults affected by conditions like cerebral palsy.

A February news story from MyFoxDC.com tells a compelling story of how a lab retriever mix named Sylvia helps out her owner, 13 year old Michelle Brown, who has a form of cerebral palsy that includes periodic seizures. This report shows how service dogs can help give a disabled child confidence and companionship, and even warn others of an impending seizure, a truly amazing intuitive ability.

Sylvia was trained for Michelle by a non-profit called Canine Assistants that has been delivering trained service dogs to a variety of disabled individuals since 1991. In an open letter on the groups’ web site, founder Jennifer Arnold relates her own story of battling multiple sclerosis as a teenager and spending two years in a wheelchair.

“I felt isolated and very much alone.” writes Arnold. “I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know what kind or how to get it.”

Now, Arnold and the rest of the people at Canine Assistants help others get that kind of help through the support of several sponsors including Delta Airlines.

Other groups around the country are helping to provide the unique combination of emotional and psychological comfort and practical assistance that service dogs can offer. Some service dogs are offered in conjunction with state programs, such as Susquehanna Service Dogs, a project of Keystone Children & Family Services in Pennsylvania. Others, like Canine Assistants, operate independently to bring these needed services to the disabled community.

Advocates for the disabled are often enthusiastic about what service dogs can do. Writing on the Living with Cerebral Palsy blog, online author Debbie Ray points out that even “retired” service dogs can make great companions.

“If you’re lucky enough to adopt a dog that was trained to provide a service for people, or a least adopting a dog that was accepted for such training but did not make it for some reason, you are in for a special treat.” writes Ray, explaining the practical values of ex-service dogs to any family.

More service dog assistance success stories can be found at sites like Children’s Disabilities Information, and pet blog Pet News and Views. Take a look and think about how canine assistance can provide a holistic service to a pediatric birth injury patient.

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