1. Mary - 4:39AM on 05/19/08

I just saw a service dog in training at church yesterday. I remembered not to touch, but I did make eye contact, he just sat down and looked at his trainer.

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2. snaillady1956 - 8:34AM on 05/19/08

I have a service dog and she is indeed an angel. Beside helping me with my daily life, she is an ambassador for service animals within the community as most people in my area have never seen or heard of a service animal before.

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3. susanpurple1 - 1:03PM on 05/19/08

My adorable Pug is in service dog training and will be doing the certification test in the next month. Because he is small people j pet him without asking and kids just fall all over him. But-- I have learned how to put up the hand and say "STOP". It is amazing what the little dogs can do to assist their person and the kids enjoy hearing about it and watching my little guy assist.

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4. J. Austin - 1:19PM on 05/19/08

I am a volunteer w/ Guide Dogs for the Blind and Canine Companions for Independence. I totally agree with Cesar, they really are angels providing a wonderful service to those in need. The only time you should interact with one of the working dogs is when they are a puppy being raised by a volunteer and then ONLY if the volunteer says it is ok. During the early stages of puppy raising they encourage contact/socialization. Later in their training, the dog must solely focus on the handler. Also, never give them treats or a toy. Remember, they are working dogs, not pets. Show your support by projecting positive energy around the dog, talking to the person w/ the handicap if appropriate, and financially contribute to Guide Dogs or CCI if you can.

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5. bettywolfe696 - 1:37PM on 05/20/08

I'm Betty's sister and we have another sister she's an nanny and they have a breeder dog. we have seen three of her litters and well have her fourth sometime in July. we love her a lot.

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6. wendy l - 8:26PM on 05/20/08

I agree, on the other hand, I have to mention.... I have seen service dogs being abused.It was extremely wrenching to see this. This should be reported, even if the person who owns them is handicapped.

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7. CJ Anderson - 8:37PM on 05/20/08

You bet Wendy! I have been able to work with rescue dogs to turn them into Therapy dogs for Therapy teams to take to programs for at risk kids, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, etc. Cesar's way is changing so many lives!

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8. Cathy R - 5:34AM on 05/29/08

I show & breed a small toy breed and just recently donated 4 youngsters to a group that trains service dogs. I am very proud & happy to know that they will all have a special person in their lives and a job to do. The woman usually takes rescues and those on death row from animal shelters and some with health problems that limits their life span. She was excited to get young, healthy kids that will be around for their owners for a long time. In our first litter of "grand puppies" the owner kept a baby who prior to training became her service dog...she will come & lay on her when she senses a seisure coming on which gives her time to get to her meds and she has been accurate each time. I know alot of people that say "just a dog'....but where would we all be without them?

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9. june.8hckworth - 4:12PM on 05/30/08

I consider my Bichon Frise a service dog, even without training. He stays by my side, when I take a seisure, and has pulled me on the deck to the door, helping me in the house. If I fall, he doesn't run away, but comes to me with lots of kisses, encouraging me to get up. He's my friend I can count on!

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10. snookied23@sbcglobal.net - 5:53PM on 05/31/08

I can not ever imagine living in a world without dogs. I have such a huge admiration for the people that train service dogs, and also they must have huge hearts to be able to give a dog to someone after they have completed the training. God bless you all! I always enjoy reading comments from people, as I sit here tonight with my 3 very faithful companions, Mitzi, Vinnamondo and Truman, who to me are as important as any other living being in my life! Also, STOP ANIMAL ABUSE AND SPAY AND NEUTER!

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11. Alicia E - 12:26AM on 06/03/08

I live in Sweden, and next to our complex is an old age home, every time I go out with Teddy (Chinese Crested - Powder Puff) I to to pass the balcony of the Old age home, if the old dears are out they jump for joy when Teddy comes pransing and running after his toys.

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12. TATFK - 1:13PM on 06/03/08

Hi all I couldn't agree more with all that has been said..but I would like to point out that there is a big difference between a service dog and a therapy dog..even though both are providing a service to humans.. Service dogs are providing for their specific person a service that they must remain focused on..it is a job..that enhances that person's ability to mainstream into our society..they are allowed public access to any place people go. Therapy dogs while are as important in the lives of people...they visit..are not given the same status.. Sometimes people get confused about the difference.. I feel very privileged to be the human part of a therapy team for the last 8 years and even have patches on Magic's vest saying *ask to pet me* just so that people will take advantage of his special talents..

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13. Hiem Y - 10:52AM on 06/26/08

I saw this site where you can upload your favorite pet photo and create a night light. It's called PetNightLights.com

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14. colleen M - 11:45PM on 07/12/08

I really appreciate all the comments on this site. I am wondering if there are service dogs for depression? I have three dogs that help me overcome a lot of anxiety and I suffer from severe depression. The thing is, I am more confident when I am with my dogs and do not have as much anxiety, but they are not qualified service dogs. Any suggestions on how I can obtain one or work with my dogs to obtain a qualification?

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