July 4th is just around the corner, so as you are preparing plans for a bar-b-que or a trip to Stinson, it’s also a great time to consider the reason we take the day off to celebrate. Independence. In this issue of Bay Woof, we are celebrating a special kind of independence, the kind that comes from a loyal, trained service dog. We bring you amazing stories of humans who were liberated from challenging situations through the work and dedication of a dog. This constant companion provides a type of dependence that helps their human to gain independence – pretty cool, huh?
I’ve never had a service dog myself, but I love to share the story of Cozzy – a sweet dog who helped me heal after a painful divorce. Many years ago, I had a summer job in a different city, so I put the word out on Facebook that I was looking for a house-sitting gig and that I was interested in dog sitting as well. An old friend responded with news of her trip to Spain planned for dates very similar to mine. The situation was ideal, I would live in Anna’s house and take care of Cozzy. Little did I know how much Cozzy would take care of me. I was nervous about being away from home for the whole summer, especially on the heels of a tough year, which had seen the dissolution of my marriage. I felt alone just thinking about the weeks ahead.
Well I’m happy to report, that just by his loyal companionship, his wet nose in the morning, his consistent routine of a walk before bed, his protective bark on the paths around town Cozzy reminded me how to build a relationship and what true companionship feels like. After my divorce I had experienced deep pain, wondering if trust actually can exist. By just being his sweet, protective, connected self, Cozzy helped me see that taking a chance on a new relationship could be worth a try. He wasn’t a “service dog,” but he sure was “of service” to me.
Collecting articles about Working Dogs this month has been inspiring. Working dogs are everything I aspire to be: focused, loyal, smart, dedicated, well-trained, efficient, and consistently of service. This month we hear from author, Marcia Goldman, who brings her dog into elementary schools to comfort and play with students with special needs. Not only do Marcia and Lola offer a special service to students, they also write childrens’ books about Lola’s adventures at work.
From Glenn Martin, we learn about two different families that show the amazing power of the working dog bond. Dan Perdios appears again this month with a column about his own personal experience learning to rely on his hearing dog. We also get some great tips for preparing a service dog for flight, and Good Dog! this month features a great perspective shift on what it means to be a “good dog.”
Finally, check out a whole different type of “working it” as San Francisco SPCA shares news of their dog fashion show from the last week of May. The Shelter kicked off a fabulous weekend event, Maddie’s Adoption Days with a super strut down the catwalk, or should I say dogwalk. See you next month for stories about canine sports! And Happy 4th of July!
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