new subject header (forum category) proposed

    • Gold Top Dog

    new subject header (forum category) proposed

    I'd like to suggest a new subject header

    Service and Hero dogs etc

    For posts relating to service dogs (for the blind, the disabled or sick, seizures alert dogs, therapy dogs etc),

    Any news or info on the uses of dogs for cancer detection and other illnesses, links to information and research etc

    Their interaction with owner, training and maintenance tips,

    Testimonies about the impact a special dog has been in difficult periods of one's life and similar testimonials

    This header could also include stories about Hero dogs who performed in civil life or on the front

    above and beyond, saving lives

    The zootherapy relation, the importance and daily living with a therapy or companion dog in those

    circumstances. The importance and nature of the relationship of the owner-trainer with dogs as it pertains to help for

    those in need, physical or psychological.

    Rescue dogs (dogs that search for lost people-souls), Disaster dogs, their work, the stress of disaster work

    impact on the dog and the owner, etc.

    The experiences and testimonial and moving stories of those who use their dog as a help in hospital visits

    Testimony from people with therapy dogs, trainer tips and personal experiences

    The special relations people with autism or learning difficulties or Asperger's have with dogs

    Hearing help dogs. etc. Help dogs for people in wheelchairs: stories about how their presence also

    help the disabled person to interract with others, dogs as ambassadors to ``normal people``

    etc etc

    None of this fits in the present categories except maybe, by realing bending it '''Behavior''

    or training....There is info and stories dispersed on this site but a Forum category would be useful in finding it easily and adding some more

    Please consider to add this topic header, I'm sure lots of people would like to contribute on this and/ or read about it

    I know I would (since my dogs have been somewhat therapy dogs for various reasons, although not specifically trained for that),

    so I am eager to hear about other people's expérience in that area, both persons who use(d) therapy dog or a 4 legged help

    (cappucin mokeys for people with reduced mobility for ex.)

    and also from trainers-owners about their point of view and experiences with the disabled and the dogs

    There are some info on sites for specific breeds known for their service to humans (GSD sites for example)

    but a header open to all breeds, even the plain vanilla ``no brand mutt`` would be useful, because they

    are often the unsung heroes of many lives. ``heroes don't have pedigrees, they just have heart``

    Thanks

    • Gold Top Dog
    Seconded.

    Though I would have to train myself to check another section again. I'd love to hear stories like that. They kinda get lost in the shuffle here in General Chat...

    • Gold Top Dog

    I really like that idea too!

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'll third (or fourth) that motion!!

    Sounds like a fabulous idea!!

    • Gold Top Dog

    Well thanks ye all for the support , I am glad to see the IS a need for such a Forum category

    Now let's hope the powers that be will hear the call, maybe someone who is more intimate with them will know

    how to direct their wise eyes to this issue ......

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog

    I moved this down to the area where it should have been, and found you had started a previous thread.

    I'll chat with the owners of the forum.  I was thinking a Service and Therapy Dogs section would be useful, especially with all the recurring discussion of how to do therapy work.  Will let you know what we get for feedback.

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'd love a section like that, and have plenty of stories to tell... Smile

    • Bronze

    How about a forum for people involved in dog rescue/animal welfare/legislation.

    If they're working on a campaign and are trying to get support through letter writing campaigns etc... they could post what they're working on, what they're trying to accomplish, support they need, letter writing, whatever.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Hindy -- that is actually done currently in General Chat -- if it were a separate category, a lot of people (me included, unfortunately) would avoid it.  But when I see a post like that in General Chat it tends to stay on my radar long enough for me to post and email as I should/want to.

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog

    Callie, I'm not sure I understand your response...?

    Hindy - that section is already in existence - it's the Advocacy section: http://forum.dog.com/forums/9.aspx

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog

    miranadobe
    I was thinking a Service and Therapy Dogs section would be useful, especially with all the recurring discussion of how to do therapy work. 

      Ask we shall received.  Gloria has set up the Therapy/Service/Assistance Dogs section under Training.  I've moved some old stories over there to give you a point of reference.  Share stories, ask training questions, etc!!
    • Gold Top Dog

    Thanks Paige!

    • Gold Top Dog

    miranadobe
    I've moved some old stories over there to give you a point of reference.  Share stories, ask training questions, etc!!

     

    I thought the forum had burped or something when I saw Lies' old post. lol