The Other Coast by Adrian Raeside for January 07, 2014

But one hint of begging, and you’re out of the program permanently… (It must be torture for a guide dog in a steakhouse!)

Yeah, I know a family that got one just so the wife would have one member of the family that obeyed her every command without question. Perfect companio for a control freak. I would love to rescue that poor, tortured dog.

I remember asking a man with a guide dog if I could pet it, and he said “No you can’t” I felt a little bummed, but that was before I knew that by petting, they could be distracted and endanger the person being guided.

@jimmy — Kudos for at asking. Many people don’t and just pet the dog. And even bigger thanks for accepting the NO answer gracefully.

Therapy dogs are different. They want you to touch and interact. Touch is what they are all about.

Co-worker is with PADS. They get a puppy at 11 weeks of age and have two years to train & socialize & love before the puppy goes back to school. – we call it college. That’s when the dogs learn about opening doors, guiding wheelchairs and so much more. Some dogs don’t work out for placement with an adult. But do work well with a child with autism. .Please donate to your local Assistance Dog group. Or offer to train a puppy for two years.

Adopting a washout dog is a great way to get a dog already trained, you only have to socialize him with your family.