Service dogs enrich the lives of their handlers by performing a myriad of tasks that mitigate disability, and since dogs thrive on having something to do, performing these tasks is akin to a never-ending game of fetch. Better still, a service dog gets to be with their human 24 hours a day.
Service dogs also enhance mood and motivation. They sense when a gentle nuzzle or cuddle is needed. Having a rough day? Your dog needs a walk, which means taking them out in the neighborhood. And observing a dog’s Zen vibe of being in the here and now is a contagious and frequent reminder of what dogs instinctively know — life is grand.
Service dogs are extensions of their humans and are empathic listeners — and it can seem as if the team reads each-others’ minds. And a service dog’s person is always on their mind, which manifests in very cool ways, like heading to their person’s bedside several times a night to check on them by giving a few light taps of their paws and waiting for a gentle pat on the head to make sure their person is all right.
Like any best friend, a service dog shares your great times and is there for you in tough times. Most of all, they forge a bond in your heart. We asked you to share your favorite photos of your K9 companions and we were blown away by the response. Here are a few of the best submissions, along with the contest winner.
Winner:
Brianna Heim and her pup, Emily, love to bowl, as this winning photo by Wendy Heim captures.
Michaela Devins shows school spirit while Chicory doesn’t look so sure.
Cindy Ranii and Hollis mask up for safety in this snapshot taken by Shelly James.
Cobalt pulls Max Woodbury up Mount Tabor in Portland.
Art Blaser relaxes with Ollie in this photo by Isaac Larios.
Photographer Tyler Hawley captures Griffin napping while Brittany Hawley celebrates her graduation.
Lori Friedman’s husband, Michael, captured this intimate portrait of the bond between service dog and handler that persists even when the pooch is off duty.
Sean Goral smiles enigmatically while Spirit looks off to the side.
Loki’s primary job is to pull Jesse Little, but the two also like to play and do yard work together, as these photos by Darlene Robillard show.
Jojo comes to her handler, Paxton Williams, for a hug.
Jesse Figueroa’s pooch, Susie, jumps up for some love.
Rachel Hargis and Dylan enjoy the serenity of Tucson’s Mount Lemmon.
Support New MobilityWait! Before you wander off to other parts of the internet, please consider supporting New Mobility. For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. But none of this is cheap, easy or profitable. Your support helps us give wheelchair users the resources to build a fulfilling life. |
I shared this on my Company’s “Pets” Slack Channel.
Service dogs are not “forced” to work. They thrive because, like their human guardians, they have jobs and, ideally, a work/little de balance. That is what I try to give my guide dog every day, and I have had six of them.