It’s a (Service) Dog’s World

Companion Dogs, Assistance Dogs, Seeing-Eye Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs - they seem the same to the uninitiated, but they're very different. We talk with two of the most respected leaders in the Service Dogs field about the business of making incredibly skilled canine companions - what goes into the breeding, the training, and the mating with a person in need. We explore the risks to the system, from un- and under-trained service dogs to outright fakes, and how our legal framework has evolved as the need for service dogs has skyrocketed.

Guests:

Dale Picard - Co-Founder & Executive Director, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities

Lu Picard - Co-Founder & Director of Programs, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities

Episode Notes:

ECAD’s website

Donate to ECAD

About The Service Dogs for Veterans Act (and a nice story about Capt. Luis Carlos Montalvan (U.S. Army - Retired) and his dog Tuesday)

About the PAWS Act

K9s for Warriors website

Study finds that, in veterans with diagnosed PTSD, those who had a service dog produced cortisol levels close to those of a standard healthy adult and; that the most important function service dogs play is reducing anxiety - Purdue University

Show Notes:

Theme music by the mysterious Breakmaster Cylinder.

Show branding by Peg Fitzpatrick & PMG Group.

P.R. and social media by Carol Lunger, Emily Stern, and A B+C Creative.