Above the Call of Duty: Service Dogs and Health

You've heard the stories on TV, a dog calls 911 or knows when their owner is terminally ill. I was skeptical. Finn and I have been working together a long time and he knows all of his commands. But how well does he know me?

Not long after getting Finn, I noticed one morning he was being very attentive, more than normal, that particular afternoon. Still wondering why he was being so cauious around me, I called his trainer, Jennifer Simmons in Independence, Missouri www.caninespecialitytraining.com to inquire. Her first question was, "Have you been sick?"

Indeed, Several days later I went for a doctor's appointment and found out I had a urinary tract infection with a low- grade fever. I was amazed at how Finn knew! Again, I spoke with Finn's trainer, astonished when she talked about Finn could smell the infection.

Finn is now my health barometer I watch closely how he reacts to me, and I know he can sense sickness in me before I realize it.

What can a Service Dog Do?

On the surface, living with Finn, my service dog , is like living with my other pets,but it stops there.
Finn is a highly trained mobility service dog who knows and responds to 80 different commands.What is a service dog? and what can he do?

A service dog is an animal trained to help someone with any type of disability-developmental, hearing or sight impaired and even more recently mental illness or PTSD

I considered a service dog because I wanted to be more independent in my life, and I knew I couldn't do it alone.
My service dog, Finn has allowed me to do many things I never thought possible.

He can turn lights on and off,open and close doors, pick up dropped items, push buttons on coke machines and elevators, bring a drink from the refridgerator, take clothes from the washer put them in the dryer, from the dryer to a basket. Finn can also pull my manual wheelchair.

Not only that, but Finn is trained on how fast or slow he walks, where to put his attention, which direction to go, how to get through narrow spaces and more.

Finn is so smart and is truly  bonded to me in ways I would have never expected. He is always there
for me whether it's walking across the street or pulling clothes from the laundry.

Interested in a service dog? Service Dogs of America has all the information you need to know!(link
http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/certification/index.htm

In my 54 years I have a lot of experiences growing up with Cerebral Palsy, training and working with my service dog,and living out and about town.It's my mission to help others,individuals and organizations to bring education,inspiration about how to incorporate inclusion in their lives!

Over the years, I've worked at Walmart in their electronics department and as a greeter. At Walmart, I not only work but have the opportunity to meet many people who inquire about Finn, my service dog. They see us working and it provides a way to educate others about the importance of employment and disability as well as the importance of including people with disabilities in our communities.

Finn and I, we never have a dull moment. Together, we've lived a full life, and each day is met with new challenges, successes and adventures.

I hope to share with you my own story, advice to motivate you on your own journey and ways to become a more inclusive community. In addition, I'm excited to be speaking and offering disability training local community based organizations  and companies.