Well, the answer is complicated. Service dogs provide independence for some, stability for others, can promote illness improvement, and they have saved lives. These animals are specially trained to perform tasks specific to a certain handicap. Once trained, these animals carryout these tasks with love for their person. They don’t assist because it is their duty, they do their duty because they love and care for their person. To watch a service dog in action is an amazing thing.
Many people in our society do not understand how important a service dog is to their person and to that person’s life. It is our hope to educate the next generation about these animals and foster acceptance and understanding for the animal and the person with the handicap.
Drew Wells, the illustrator for this book series, has a service dog and he assists her on a daily basis. Drew is hard of hearing and Charlie serves as her ears. He alerts her to sounds, such as the doorbell, a timer, a car approaching, a smoke detector, a fire alarm, and many more.
I have seen people question Drew as she and Charlie attempt to transverse public places. I have seen her forced to leave grocery stores and other places of business because occasionally the people do not understand what a service animal is; all they see is a dog and dogs are not allowed.
My children were taught early in life to respect people with handicaps and to treat them as they would want to be treated. I have watched each of my children extend helping hands, friendship, and kindness to kids with handicaps. I have watched them treat these children in the same manner they treat their other friends. They view them as kids, not as someone with a handicap. I have watched other children criticize and belittle my kids because they do not discriminate. I have also watched my children ‘give them a piece of their mind’. Hooray for standing up for what they believe is right!
My youngest son began suffering from major seizures when he was 16. Some see this as a handicap. He says, “I am a regular kid that likes to stop, drop, and shake once in a while!” I love his view on his medical condition and the fact that he has not let that stop him from leading a normal life and forging forward with his future.
My son is qualified to have a service dog for his condition, but he says he doesn’t want one. Why? (and I quote) “Because I got this! There are tons of people that have this worse than me and there are only a small number of dogs trained for seizures. Save the dog for someone who needs him more than me.” (tear)
Between Drew, Charlie, my son, and all the handicapped kids I have seen in my life…I feel the next generation needs to be in the know when it comes to the amazing things these four legged heroes do.
So, that is why books written for children about service dogs.
To read more about disabilities that qualify for service animals, please click here.
Until next time…
Brooke Ryter
Many people in our society do not understand how important a service dog is to their person and to that person’s life. It is our hope to educate the next generation about these animals and foster acceptance and understanding for the animal and the person with the handicap.
Drew Wells, the illustrator for this book series, has a service dog and he assists her on a daily basis. Drew is hard of hearing and Charlie serves as her ears. He alerts her to sounds, such as the doorbell, a timer, a car approaching, a smoke detector, a fire alarm, and many more.
I have seen people question Drew as she and Charlie attempt to transverse public places. I have seen her forced to leave grocery stores and other places of business because occasionally the people do not understand what a service animal is; all they see is a dog and dogs are not allowed.
My children were taught early in life to respect people with handicaps and to treat them as they would want to be treated. I have watched each of my children extend helping hands, friendship, and kindness to kids with handicaps. I have watched them treat these children in the same manner they treat their other friends. They view them as kids, not as someone with a handicap. I have watched other children criticize and belittle my kids because they do not discriminate. I have also watched my children ‘give them a piece of their mind’. Hooray for standing up for what they believe is right!
My youngest son began suffering from major seizures when he was 16. Some see this as a handicap. He says, “I am a regular kid that likes to stop, drop, and shake once in a while!” I love his view on his medical condition and the fact that he has not let that stop him from leading a normal life and forging forward with his future.
My son is qualified to have a service dog for his condition, but he says he doesn’t want one. Why? (and I quote) “Because I got this! There are tons of people that have this worse than me and there are only a small number of dogs trained for seizures. Save the dog for someone who needs him more than me.” (tear)
Between Drew, Charlie, my son, and all the handicapped kids I have seen in my life…I feel the next generation needs to be in the know when it comes to the amazing things these four legged heroes do.
So, that is why books written for children about service dogs.
To read more about disabilities that qualify for service animals, please click here.
Until next time…
Brooke Ryter
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