Service Dogs Being Faked

According to an article yesterday at npr.org, service dogs are being faked and that can lead to issues for those with a legitimate need. The article states that service dogs are highly trained animals that perform specific tasks for people with disabilities and behave extremely well in public. Fake service dogs are not trained and can sometimes exhibit scared or aggressive behaviors around other people.

To read the entire article, please visit: http://www.npr.org/2013/09/11/221017467/four-legged-impostors-give-service-dog-owners-pause?utm_campaign=nprfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook

All shapes and sizes

When one thinks of a service dog, the picture of a German Shepherd or Labrador guiding a person with a visual impairment generally comes to mind. This, however, is not always the case. According to an article in the Indy Star, the news site for Indianapolis, service dogs can be quite small and that smaller size may be more beneficial to some people with disabilities.

To read the entire article, go to: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201011040368

Canine Assistance

Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides canine assistance. "ICAN was founded in late 2001 by Sally Irvin, Ph.D, who was inspired by the idea of creating positive and powerful connections between at-risk individuals, animals, and people with physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. ICAN is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and serves residents of Indiana, with occasional client placements outside of the state."

They provide three types of dog services which are assistance or skilled companion dogs, facility dogs (who work with the professionals), and therapy dogs (who stay primarily in the home).

Check out the website here: http://www.icandog.org/index.htm
Or Contact them at:
1801 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Office Number:
(317) 250-6450

Did you hear...Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy




for more information:

Pavlides, M. (2008) Animal-assisted interventions for individuals with autism. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Online resources:

Service Animals
http://del.icio.us/cedir/service_animals

Animal Assisted Therapy
http://del.icio.us/cedir/animal_therapy


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Animal-Assisted Interventions

Animal-Assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism by Merope Pavlides discusses success stories of different animal-assisted interventions, notes the challenges of working with particular animal species, and emphasizes the importance of tailoring interventions to the specific needs of the individual and of monitoring progress. The author also lists recommendations for resources and further reading.

Interested in the book? Indiana resident? Contact us here at CeDIR!

Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library!