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Posted on Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 5:43 a.m.

Many kinds of assistance dogs provide valuable support

By Mary Roderique

Roderique-Ask to pet me-Colby-A2com.jpg

Colby gazes up, watching and waiting to help.

Photo by Blaine Roderique

People have lots of questions for me when I am out and about with Colby, a service dog with Canine Assistants who works as a goodwill ambassador, helping to raise awareness about service dogs. I am happy to stop and chat for a minute about different jobs that dogs can do to help people with disabilities remain more independent. (I am also more than happy to talk about how charming Colby is!)
   

There are many different kinds of assistance dogs; many people are familiar with guide dogs that help the blind, but there are also dogs that are trained as hearing response dogs to help people who do not hear well. Service dogs can help with issues of mobility and seizure response dogs provide help during and after seizures, sometimes even alerting of a seizure in advance. There are even dogs that serve as emotional support dogs.

Service dogs like Colby, from Canine Assistants, are typically trained to help adults and children with physical disabilities. The dogs are able to pick up dropped objects, go for help if you fall, help you get back in a chair, and open and close doors and cabinets. There are over 90 combinations of commands the dogs can perform for their recipient.

In addition to all the physical tasks the dogs perform, assistance dogs help to break down social barriers as well. And it is truly amazing to see the bond that is formed between a dog and a recipient; they are good company to each other and a fabulous team.

Assistance dogs facilitate independence… and a little bit of wagging, too. They truly love their work, and I thank them for their service.

Mary Roderique leads a Canine Assistants' National Volunteer program, Noah's Team of Ann Arbor with her dog, Colby. She also works as a Writing Workshop Consultant for teachers in Michigan and Indiana.


Colby Roderique works as a Canine Assistant Special Educator and insists that it is she, not Mary, that leads Noah’s Team of Ann Arbor. She also enjoys volunteering at 826 Michigan. Colby is available to present about service dogs to schools, businesses, places of worship, and community organizations.