This September, at the Bark at the Moon headquarters, we are celebrating National Service Dog Month! Service dogs mean a lot to us at Bark at the Moon, because they’re not only loving and caring, they’re dedicating their lives to the safety of their humans. This month, take the time to appreciate service dogs and their admirable commitment to humanity.
There are many different service dogs, but they all have one thing in common: their unquestionable love for their human. These dogs aren’t just guide dogs; they serve everyone from those with autism, blindness, deafness, or seizure disorders, to those suffering from PTSD, brain injuries, or mobility issues. They’re not only there for support, but to create friendship and a sense of balance in their person’s life. Many people would not have such quality of life without their service dog.
We fully support service dog organizations, as they not only train companions that’ll change people’s lives, but also save the lives of dogs by using rescue pups for their work. Service dogs don’t have to be German shepherds or golden retrievers- any loving dog that is willing to learn can become a helper. That dog will then go through training specializing in the field of work that is best fit for them. Dogs are wildly smart, and can perform tasks from turning off a light, to pulling a wheelchair up a slope, to even ending a seizure by simply licking the seizing person.
A particular type of service dogs are the ones that aid veterans that are wounded or suffer from PTSD. These dogs can help veterans return to their lives in an independent and dignified fashion, after the traumatic experiences they have endured. A special organization, K9’s for Warriors, provides veterans with rescued service dogs. Their goal, which is to “give a new leash on life to rescue dogs and military heroes”, says it all. Dogs trained to help those with physical injuries can provide mobility support, open and close doors, and retrieve items; dogs that aid those with mental injury offer forever friendship, a reason to get out of the house and exercise, and reduced stress. Service dogs never once question the motive behind it all- they just know.
Bark at the Moon celebrates service dogs every month by donating to K9’s for Warriors. We are proud supporters of our troops and beyond proud to participate in giving both rescue dogs and wounded veterans a companion. How can you contribute? Donate to one of the many service dog organizations, or simply purchase any of Bark at the Moon’s three natural dog treats– a portion of the proceeds will be automatically donated. In the words of K9’s for Warriors: “We rescue the dogs, they rescue their warriors.”
Link to K9’s for Warriors: http://www.k9sforwarriors.org/
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