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.