Day 109: National Pet Month

Who can resist the power of an animal friend? Face it — pets have their owners wrapped around their little paws. Whether they are furry, feathered, or finned, pets have the wonderful ability to brighten almost any day. Pets don’t just make us feel better emotionally and physically, they are also instrumental in teaching children about responsibility.

National Pet Month is about promoting responsible pet ownership, making people aware of the benefits of pets for people and people for pets, increasing public awareness of services available from professionals who work with animals, and raising awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of working companion animals.

People are encouraged to adopt pets during this month and pet owners are encouraged to give their pets a special treat. This could be a grooming session, a new toy or just some extra quality time. National Pet Month celebrates the benefits that pets bring to people’s lives – and vice versa! Our pets are our babies and they give us unconditional love. This month, think how your pets have impacted or touched your life.

Rescuing homeless dogs and professionally training them to enhance lives is what Dogs for the Deaf, the largest and oldest Hearing Dog program in the United States, is all about. DFD rescues dogs from animal shelters throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. They choose dogs that are people friendly, confident, and motivated by toys, treats, and affection. They rescue, train, and place 30-40 dogs annually. The dogs are trained with positive reinforcement and lots of love.

All dogs that enter training are first spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and receive any necessary medical treatment so they have the best possible chance to succeed.

Dogs for the Deaf has expanded its training program to include Autism Assistance Dogs for children and families living with autism. The rise in autism rates is staggering. The evolution of programs geared toward successfully integrating children with autism into routine daily activities includes Autism Assistance Dogs.

Autism Assistance Dogs can provide added safety, particularly with children who tend to bolt. The parent controls the dog on leash with the child attached to the dog by a tether. If the child tries to bolt, the dog is trained to sit and act as an anchor, giving the parent time to step in and take over. Autism Assistance Dogs can also have a calming effect on the child in general, but more specifically, during the transition from one activity/environment to another. Some children with autism experience a greater desire to communicate if they bond closely with the dog.

Donation $5

To support Dogs for the Deaf, please visit: http://www.dogsforthedeaf.org/