Veteran Honors Beloved Service Dog by Making Him the Best Man at His Wedding

Service dogs play an important part in the lives of the people they serve. Whether they are acting in the capacity as a comfort or support animals, these dedicated animals are indispensable to their owners. In many cases, a service dog’s owner views them as more than just a helper, but as a best friend as well. This is the case with Justin Lansford and his service dog Gabe.

To read more on this story, click here: Veteran Honors Beloved Service Dog by Making Him the Best Man at His Wedding

Service Dog Refuses To Leave Mom’s Side After Saving Her Life

When Shauna Darcy first got Ruby, she got her as a service dog to help her cope with her anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia. From the very beginning, Ruby proved to be a wonderful service dog and companion – and it was clear there was no limit to Ruby’s devotion.

Shauna said to The Dodo, “While she was training to be a service dog I noticed that she started picking up on changes in my heart rate and would act funny — for example, paw at me, try to get my attention, get on top of me, etc.”

To read more on this story, click here: Service Dog Refuses To Leave Mom’s Side After Saving Her Life

Why You Should Never Approach a Service Dog: Teen with Disabilities Had a Seizure When Her Service Dog was Distracted

Hailey Ashmore has several conditions, including: epilepsy, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, reactive hypoglycemia, severe allergies, gastroparesis, and asthma.

The 16-year-old from Dallas, TX relies on the help of her service dog, Flynn.

According to Fetching Apparel, Hailey was once a dancer on the varsity drill team, student council member, violinist and at the top of her class. However, with her conditions progressing, Hailey can only take classes online.

She is dependent on her parents, nurse, medications, and Flynn. The condition she grapples with the most is epilepsy, which causes seizures. Seizures are very serious; in another instance, a mom had a seizure and was unable to tend to her infant at the mall.

“To get a service dog you must be disabled to the point where you can no longer function at a normal quality of life without the assistance of service dogs,” said Hailey.

“It takes around two years of intense training and thousands of dollars (if you owner train) to actually be able to call your dog a service dog. A service dog can go anywhere its handler goes, with the exception of a sterile environment such as an operating room or burn unit, a religious building — such as a church, or some federal buildings,” she said.

The job of a service dog is very important to its human. See why Hailey is pleading with strangers to get them to stop petting her dog without permission.

  

                    Hailey has had Flynn since he was an itty-bitty puppy.

                              Needless to say, it was love at first sight.

Hailey also struggles with several conditions. “I have epilepsy, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, reactive hypoglycemia, severe allergies, gastroparesis, asthma, and more,” Hailey told Fetching Apparel.

Flynn isn't just a friend — he is Hailey's service dog. Flynn can sense when Hailey is going to have a seizure before it happens. This gives Hailey time to respond, get help, and find a safe place.

One day, Hailey was visiting her dad at work. When she arrived with Flynn, a staff member could not resist how adorable he is. They began to pet him, ignoring the giant "STOP" sign he wears. "I immediately told him to stop [petting Flyyn],” Hailey told the Dodo.

"The only time somebody should ever approach Flynn and I is if I am unconscious and/or having a seizure. Besides that, nobody should try to pet or get near him. I wish people could understand that's what the giant stop sign patch means. If somebody distracts him I can get seriously hurt. If you see a service dog in public please educate your children, your friends, your family, anybody else that they are doing a really important job. Thank you."

While Flynn was distracted from the petting, Hailey had a seizure. “I am used to him giving me 10 minute warnings, so when he alerted that’s what I thought I had,” explained Hailey. “Out of nowhere I remember the world going black. I woke up with Flynn on top of my legs and my father cradling my head. On the whole left side of my face there was a terrible sting that made me tear up.”

                                  Hailey woke up with rug burns on her head.

"My service dog is my lifeline. I don't say that to be cute. He helps keep me alive just like life support. If he gets distracted this happens. If he gets distracted I can die. Do not pet service dogs. Do not call to service dogs. Do not taunt service dogs. Do not talk to service dogs. Do not do anything to service dogs. Thank you," she wrote on Instagram.

Many of us are so eager to connect with animals, we often forget that they are protecting their human. Let's learn something from another's mistake and be more mindful of other people's animals!

Very Good Service Dogs Watch 'Billy Elliot: The Musical' At The Theater

Service dogs in Canada caught a performance of “Billy Elliot: The Musical” as part of their training last week.

And cute images of the pooches peering over the backs of seats at the Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario, are now going viral.

The group of dogs attended one of the Stratford Festival’s “relaxed performances.”

The shows are “specifically designed to welcome patrons who will benefit from a less restricted audience environment,” according to the festival’s website.

To read more on this story, click here: Very Good Service Dogs Watch 'Billy Elliot: The Musical' At The Theater

Sully The Service Dog Has New Role Helping Wounded Vets

The 2-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever on Wednesday joined Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's dog program to help wounded veterans.

BETHESDA, Md. — Sully, the service dog who symbolized devotion lying by former President George H.W. Bush's flag-draped casket, has a new mission. 

The 2-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever on Wednesday joined Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's dog program to help wounded veterans. Sully offered his paw as he was administered an oath streamed on Facebook to "support, comfort and cheer warriors and their families."    

To read more on this story, click here: Sully The Service Dog Has New Role Helping Wounded Vets

Teen's Service Dog Shot, Killed Outside of Family Home: 'He Was My Best Friend'

A 15-year-old girl recently lost her “little hero” after someone fatally shot her diabetic alert dog outside her family’s home in Quinlan, Texas.

Hannah Westmoreland was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 8, but it wasn’t until a few years later that the family raised money to get her a service dog. Her mother, Tina Westmoreland, started a fund that brought in $10,000 from community members looking to help Hannah. Ultimately, a golden retriever named Journey came into her life.

“He was my best friend,” Hannah told CBS Dallas about the dog.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Westmoreland family on Sunday when 4-year-old Journey’s life was cut short. According to the local Texas news outlet, Journey was let out for his regular dip in the family’s pond before he was found bleeding from a gunshot wound.

To read more on this story, click here: Teen's Service Dog Shot, Killed Outside of Family Home: 'He Was My Best Friend'

10 Things Service Dog Handlers Want You to Know

Many people have a vague sense of awareness that Service Dogs “help” their person and that they’re allowed to be in public, but there’s a lot more to Service Dog handlers and teams than meets the eye. To help fill in the holes, here are the top 10 things Service Dog handlers want every member of the public to know and understand.

1.) My Service Dog Is Working
When you see my partner and I out and about in public, please understand that she’s doing vital work for me, even if she doesn’t “look like” she’s working to you. Just like when you’re working, she just wants (and needs) to be left alone to do her job. Please don’t distract my Service Dog from her job by yelling at her, talking to her, using baby talk at her, touching her, touching her equipment, crowding her, whistling at her, barking at her or otherwise doing anything except politely ignoring her.

2.) My Service Dog Is My Lifeline
Depending on my disability, my Service Dog may be the only thing standing between me and death. She’s my lifeline and she means the world to me. Please don’t distract her from doing her job or her tasks because my life, health, and peace of mind, rests in her paws. If you distract her and she isn’t able to respond appropriately, my ensuing illness or injury is YOUR fault. Please just ignore her entirely and let her focus on her job, which is keeping me safe.

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Things Service Dog Handlers Want You to Know

Chance The Service Dog Kept Boy With Autism Safe, Until Dog Suspiciously Disappeared.

Chance is more than just a beloved family pet. He’s a specially trained service dog for nine-year-old Ashton, who has autism. Ashton has a tendency to run away from a situation when he’s feeling overwhelmed, which puts him at risk of getting lost. But 100-pound Chance has been trained to stop Ashton from running and keep him safe.

But Chance can’t do his job if he’s the one who’s gone missing.

Chance went missing on September 11, and Ashton’s mother, Debi Zamora, is desperate for anyone with any information to come forward—no questions asked. The family was in the process of moving to new neighborhood in Clarksville, Tennessee, and someone left the fence open at their new home.

To read more on this story, click here: Chance The Service Dog Kept Boy With Autism Safe, Until Dog Suspiciously Disappeared.

Service Dog Patiently Guides Blind Dog Down Steep Stairs

This Cocker Spaniel, named Kimchi, is the only blind dog in the Philippines with his own guide dog!

Kimchi, now estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, was found abandoned in the streets by CARA Welfare Philippines. He was thin, mangy, weak, with flea-infested matted fur, and already blind. He was later adopted by a family with a Golden Retriever mix called Ginger, who is now almost 13 years old. Since then, a very special bond has developed between the two.

In the clip, captured on August 26 in Quezon City, Ginger can be seen patiently leading Kimchi as they go down the steep stairs, and out of a hotel.

He walked one step once then he stopped to wait for Kimchi. He was so caring and wise dog.

The two dogs are so attached to each other. They walk along the beach, across the street, go to shopping malls...

To read more on this story, click here: Service Dog Patiently Guides Blind Dog Down Steep Stairs

Embrace Pet Insurance Compiled a List of Six Potential Tax Deductions for Pet Owners

Can pet owners claim their dog or cat on their taxes? The answer is yes — but only in specific instances.

Embrace Pet Insurance compiled a list of six potential tax deductions for pet owners — though some may have been affected by the tax overhaul.

ThinkAdvisor spoke with Leon LaBrecque, managing partner and CEO at LJPR Financial Advisors, about these potential pet deductions and which are still relevant under the new tax law.

LaBrecque is a certified public accountant as well as a certified financial planner. He’s on the board of directors for the Michigan Association of CPAs, where he is also the head of the special task force on the new tax law. LaBrecque is also a self-professed dog lover with three dogs of his own.

“As a pet lover, our pets are almost like having kids,” he told ThinkAdvisor. “So one of the weird things that happened [with the new tax law] is they kind of equalized the playing ground a little. We don’t get an exemption for our kids anymore and we don’t get an exemption for our pets either. I would say that they leveled the playing field between our four-legged children and our two-legged children — of which I have both.”

Though a pet cannot be claimed as a dependent on their owner’s U.S. taxes, the IRS does grant certain tax deductions for dogs and other pets. It should be noted that the deductions are specific, and many household pets do not meet the criteria set by the IRS.

Here is a list of six potential tax deductions (or changes under the new law) for pet owners.

1. Business animals

There may be deductions available for business animals if the animal lives at the trade or business.

For example, dogs that work as a security measure for a business can fall into the category of business animals. A cat “employed” for rodent control at a business may also qualify. These working dogs or cats often live at the business 24/7, instead of in the owner’s home.

“You have the Rottweiler guarding your shop or office; a guard dog is a guard dog,” LaBrecque said. “If you start taking the Rottweiler home, it becomes less apparent that it’s a guard dog but I might even suggest that you can deduct the food that you feed the dog at your office — because he’s guarding the office while you’re there.”

Owners of business animals may be able to deduct expenses like food, veterinary care, and training related to the animal’s job.

Business animal deductions could also include animals that generate income for their owners, such as performing animals. Performing animals appear in commercials, movies, television, print ads and other related industries.

2. Shipping household pets during a move

While it may be possible to deduct the cost of shipping a pet to a new home when filing 2017 taxes, LaBrecque says this is no more. Moving expenses have been eliminated under the new tax law.

“That’s gone,” he said. “No more moving expenses for anyone, including pets.”

3. Donations to pet-related charities

Adoption fees to a rescue organization or local shelter are not tax deductible, but donations made to a rescue or charitable organization for which no goods or services are received may be deductible.

“You can’t adopt a dog as a donation,” LaBrecque explained. “You can make a donation and adopt a dog as long as those are not related to each other. The adoption fees are not deductible. The donation to the pet-related charity clearly is deductible.”

This potential deduction — donations to pet-related charities — is the one that LaBrecque sees most often among his clients and friends.

“It’s well known amongst my clients and friend that I love dogs, so I tend to see a lot more towards the charitable giving side,” he said.

His firm also donates to animal charities.


4. Foster pets

Fostering a pet for a qualified charitable organization is deductible, according to LaBrecque.

“I live in the same city as the Leader Dogs for the Blind. If you adopt a foster pet or if you raise a Leader Dog, that is a charitable contribution to the extent that you have expenses related to it, including things like mileage,” LaBrecque explained. “If I’m taking care of a Leader Dog puppy … then clearly you can have a charitable deduction for that.”

Bankrate has also stated that “unreimbursed expenses for fostering a pet for an IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) adoption organization can be deducted.”

Deductions can include food, supplies, veterinary bills, and up to 14 cents per mile for trips made to further the shelter’s work, according to Bankrate.

5. Pet-related hobby expenses

According to Embrace Pet Insurance, pet parents who enter their pets in dog, cat or horse shows as a hobby may be able to make a deduction under hobby expenses if the pet owner received earnings from it.

However, LaBrecque says that this deductible is likely gone under the new law. According to LaBrecque, hobby losses would have been deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction, but he suggests this deduction was eliminated by the new law.

“I didn’t get a chance to dig in deep on the hobby loss [rule] related to pets but it appears that hobby losses — even to the extent of income — likely are not deductible,” he explained.

6. Service animal expenses

According to Embrace Pet Insurance, service dog expenses are tax deductible as noted in IRS Publication 502, and deductions are available for individuals requiring a guide dog for vision or hearing impairments.

These deductions may include expenses incurred when purchasing the animal as well as training fees or any veterinary expenses.

But LaBrecque makes an important distinction. He says that service dogs for a medical impairment are deductible as medical expenses, but two thresholds must be met.

“First, all medical expenses must exceed 7.5% (for 2018) of adjusted gross income to be included as an itemized deduction,” according to LaBrecque. “Second, total itemized deductions must exceed the standard deduction, which was significantly increased under the new law.”

Blind Dog Has Her Own Seeing Eye Dog – Meet Lily and Maddison

This is one of those stories that make you say “awww!” As an animal lover…this story melted my heart!

Lily, a Great Dane was only 18 months old when veterinarians removed both her eyes. She was suffering from entropion, a condition that caused her eyelashes to roll inward and scratch painfully against her eyeballs.

But thankfully she’s got guide dog Maddison, another Great Dane to lead her around. Maddison stays close to Lily when they walk around, helping to guide her by touching her with his body to let her know the way.

The two dogs were being cared for by UK dog welfare charity Dogs Trust, which had problems finding a good home willing to take the unlikely pair. Their previous owner could no longer cope with the two big dogs, and in July handed Lily and Maddison over to be rehomed.

“With her lack of sight, Lily’s other senses have heightened so, although we don’t split them up often, she can tell if Maddison is nearby,” explains Louise Cabell, who works at the shelter. So cute! Here’s hoping these buddies find a great new home.

 “It’s very sad as members of the public walk straight by their kennel, often put off by the idea of having two large dogs and of course one without eyes can be a bit shocking!" Louise Campbell, manager of Dogs Trust Shrewsbury, had explained.

The dogs sleep together, and were awaiting adoption at the Dogs Trust in the British town of Shrewsbury.

After putting out a public call, more than 2,000 people offered to take the dogs, the Daily Mail says.

The Williams family from the countryside in nearby Crewe, Cheshire were chosen to adopt the dog.

Anne Williams and her husband Len said they weren't fazed by the prospect of having two large dogs.

"We've always had two dogs together, I like them to have company and so taking on two of them wasn't a daunting prospect," Ann Williams told the Daily Mail. "We've also got a lovely big garden so it's the perfect setting for two huge dogs."

The couple plan to take Lily and Maddison along on holidays to France and the Lake District in England.

Heartwarming Reunion Between a Military Veteran, His Service Dog, and The Inmate Who Trained Him

You see it happening more and more where prisons are adding programs where inmates work with dogs. The inmates provide the dogs with care and training, while the inmates in return learn trust, compassion and responsibility. Laurie, an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, helped train a dog named Pax, who would go on to be a service dog.

Pax was eventually paired with Bill Campbell, a military veteran who suffers from PTSD and memory loss and has a major fear of crowds. When Campbell received Pax, his whole life changed. Having a dog by his side has helped him cope with the horrible effects of war and has made it possible for him to get through everyday life. Aware that Pax also helped other people along the way, like Laurie, before being paired with himself, he thought it would be nice to bring Pax back to where it all began for him. He took Pax back to the facility to visit Laurie, and their reunion was so heartwarming!

San Diego, California - Paws'itive Teams is Currently Interviewing Applicants for a Fully Trained Service Dog

Paws'itive Teams is currently interviewing applicants for a fully trained service dog. We feel Rocky would do well with someone with an active lifestyle who can find greater independence with the assistance of a canine partner who has exceptional skills in retrieving objects, tugging doors, assist with undressing, emergency alerts and much more. Applicants must live in San Diego County and have a mobility limiting disability. The first step is to submit a short pre-application through the website. Click here for APPLICATION.

Website: Paws'itive Teams

Donations Needed to Help 14-Month-Old Tucker Get A Much Needed Service Dog: Please Share

Donations are needed to help 14-month-old, J. Micheal Tucker get a much needed service dog.

Sharing from Tucker’s Aunt, Cassie: 

I'm writing this campaign for my nephew, who celebrated his first birthday in December of 2016! Not everyone knows this story, or its history, so allow me to backtrack so everyone understands. 

My sister Crystal  married the love of her life, Jerrold, in September of 2002. They began planning their family, and within the first year of their marriage, Crystal found out she was expecting. They were both thrilled, and the rest of the family was as well. 

All of my life growing up, I've watched my older sister, babysitting or working in childrens church, or teaching at the preschool she works in and the pure passion and love she has for children is evident to all. She's wanted nothing more than to be a mother, and have a house full of kids, for as long as I've known her. 

Unfortunately, due to a miscarriage, she lost her first child, which was a huge blow to her and Jerrold...and the entire family. 

Of course God had a plan though, and in November of 2004, their family welcomed Maggie Leeann  and the world was never the same!

To say that Crystal and Jerrold are "good parents", is an understatment to say the least. They have raised Maggie in such a beautiful way, allowing her wonderful, loving, charming, Christian, spunky, sassy, hilarious attitude to shine in the best ways possible. They've taught her to be kind and courteous, sincere and loving, understanding and tender, and most of all have given her access to a wonderful relationship with God. From the time Maggie learned to talk, she knew how to pray. And every prayer always had one thing in common: 

"Please Dear God....let mommy and daddy have another baby." 
While some kids want all the attention and perks of being a single child, Maggie wanted nothing more than to be a big sister. She prayed fervently, and my sister went through many more miscarriages. As hard as it was to go through the pain of losing children, my brother and sister never gave up faith and continued to love Maggie with all their heart. 

To read more on this story, and make a donation, click here: Donations Needed to Help 14-Month-Old Tucker Get A Much Needed  Service Dog 


Please Share!

Medal of Honor Recipient’s Needs Your Help: His Service Dog Has to Have Surgery

Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the 2009 battle at COP Keating in Afghanistan, the same battle described by fellow MoH recipient Clinton Romesha in his best-selling book Red Platoon.

Nala is Carter’s service dog and she’s essential to his efforts to deal with post-traumatic stress. The veterinarians tell Ty that Nala has a herniated disc that’s almost severing her spinal cord. If she doesn’t have surgery, she’ll lose her ability to walk.

The government doesn’t recognize service dogs as a treatment for PTSD, or at least not a form that it’s willing to pay for.

There’s a GoFundMe page to help pay for Nala’s surgery. That’s sure to be covered soon. Any of our readers with the influence to get service dogs covered by the government should get on that right away as well.

Lowes in Regina, Saskatchewan Hires a Special Needs Employee and Makes a Vest and Name Tag for His Service Dog

A man in Canada was having trouble finding a job. His support dog, Blue, accompanies him at all times because of his special needs, and most employers weren’t ready to take on a pooch employee in addition to his human. But one Lowes home improvement store in Regina, Saskatchewan was willing to hire the man and his dog, and they took it a step further.

The store created an employee vest and name tag for their new canine worker, and now Blue is waiting with his owner to greet you at the store. Take a look at the adorable doggy uniform! I’d be happy to visit stores that had cute dogs working alongside humans.

Some Reddit users have questioned Blue’s ability to assist customers with their needs. One user said, “Betcha he doesn’t know jack s**t about plumbing either.” Another user replied, “Nonsense. I’m sure he knows that the American standard wall mounted toilets with wide bowls are MUCH easier to drink out of, as opposed to the non-mounted elongated ones.” Maybe Blue will have some of the answers, after all!

Service Dog Etiquette: When a Service Dog Has a Vest on in Public with Its Disabled Handler, it is Working

When a Service Dog has a vest on or is in public with its disabled handler (or trainer), it is working, even if it appears as though it is not. Distracting a Service Dog by making noises, offering food, water, toys or petting may be dangerous to the dog’s disabled handler, especially if the dog is a medical alert dog or brace/mobility support dog. Many handlers have “invisible disabilities,” such as diabetes, hearing loss or other symptoms not readily apparent and if a Service Dog is paying attention to someone who’s distracting her, she’s not doing her job for her handler.

How to Behave Around a Service Dog

Service dogs are all around us and this is truly a wonderful thing. They can help people to open and close doors, retrieve dropped items from the floor, walk across the street, and retrieve medication from a refrigerator, as well as a variety of other tasks. Each dog is tailor trained to meet the specific needs of their handler. And yet many of us still do not know how to properly interact with these fascinatingly furry helpers. Here are six etiquette tips to remember the next time you encounter a service dog.

Speaking to the Service Dog Team

That's right, the service dog and its handler are a team. And should you want to approach a service dog team, please speak to the person first. Speaking, touching, or making rude noises to the dog may only confuse him or her.

Petting the Service Dog

It may be tempting to pet or touch the service dog, but only do so after receiving permission from the dog's handler. Moreover, don't be insulted if your request is denied. Releasing the dog in order to greet you may distract his or her attentiveness to the handler.

Feeding the Service Dog

Do not offer a service dog food or dog treats. Even though service dogs are trained to ignore food on the ground and not beg for treats, your offerings may serve as a distraction for the dog. Besides, you can't be sure that the dog food or treat you are offering will not inadvertently cause the dog to become sick.

Interactions with Your Dog

If you have a dog with you, do not let him or her approach the service dog without first consulting with the handler. This can distract the service dog and, despite his or her training, may lead to an unwanted altercation between the animals.

Asking Personal Questions

Asking the handler about his or her disability is impolite and an intrusion of privacy. You should also never assume an animal is not a service dog if he or she does not wear a vest, patch, or any other item that would identify the dog as a service dog. This is not required by U.S. federal law.