Don’t Pet Unless You Ask

I love animals. I think most people do.

Every now and then, I’ll see a visually impaired person with a guide dog, which is now commonly referred to as a Service Animal. Whenever I come in contact with a Service Animal, my first reaction is to smile, talk to the animal, and start petting. But one day, I was nicely informed by the visually impaired person that this wasn’t something that we should do.

Even though these animals resemble the animals we throw balls to or take for walks, Service Animals are not technically considered “pets.” According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a service animal is any animal that has been individually trained to provide assistance or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits one or more major life functions. In addition, some states have legislation that further defines a service animal.

Who knew!

So I thought I would share some of the etiquette I have learned about Service Animals, should you come in contact with one:

• Do not touch the Service Animal, or the person it assists, without permission.
• Do not make noises at the Service Animal; it may distract the animal from doing its job.
• Do not feed the Service Animal; it may disrupt his/her schedule.
• Do not be offended if the person does not feel like discussing his/her disability or the assistance the Service Animal provides. Not everyone wants to be a walking-talking “show and tell” exhibit.

It’s hard to resist the temptation, but the nicest and most respectful thing to do is abide by the list.

In most cases, I have found, after the initial permission is requested, the person who is being helped by the animal is more than willing to let you pet the animal.

So let’s do the nice and respectful thing, just cuz…

(Oh, this also pertains to police dogs or K9 units!)

Water The Animals

Summer is nearly over, but there are some hot days ahead of us!

Make sure the birds have a place to cool down by placing a birdbath in your yard. You can go to any major hardware/lumber store and pick up a fairly inexpensive model. Keep the water fresh for the birds.

While you’re at it, if you live in a neighborhood with a bunch of canine companion animals around, keep a bowl of fresh water at the end of your front walk, so when an occasional doggy comes by on his daily walk, he can grab a drink!

Just cuz…

Raise Money – Have A Dog Wash

Interacting with people is almost always a positive thing. If you interact while you’re doing something for someone else, it’s just that much more rewarding.

How great would it be if you started your own fund raising club? Once a month, your group could pick a cause to support. Get your family involved, as well as your neighbors, classmates, or people from your local place of worship.

Every once in a while, I’m going to try to come up with a means of raising money. Even if it ends up being five dollars, that’s five dollars that your cause didn’t have before your event.

During this summer, go to your local animal shelter or humane society, and ask them if you can have a Saturday Dog Wash on their property in order to raise money for their organization. Not only will you be able to give them a few bucks, you’ll be sudsing somebody’s schnauzer, cleaning somebody’s collie. Perhaps even getting another companion animal adopted by someone who has room for one more!

Good luck with the money raising! Have fun, and do it just cuz animals need some happiness too.

Please Do Feed The Animals

Thousands of cats, dogs, and other companion animals are abandoned every day. The Humane Society and other shelters are overcrowded and underfunded, and unfortunately, many of these animals die every day because of overpopulation.

The next time you’re doing your grocery shopping, and you’re picking up some kibble for your dog, or some crunchy cat food for your feline, consider purchasing an extra bag (or two) and make a stop at the nearest humane society or shelter (preferably a no-kill shelter) and give a cat or dog a chance.

Check your local listings for the shelters or Humane Society nearest you. If you’re capable, make a donation, just cuz.