Yancey Bear was at the receiving end nasty comment from people who had no right to judge and criticize him. Bear is a disabled war veteran, and an amputee from the knee down. To help with his day to day activities he has a service dog named Rubina. Bear was ridiculed when people who couldn’t see his disability questioned him having a service dog.

Take a look at this video

They didn’t want him to do business in their store. Did they think service dogs are available at pet stores?

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Federal law dictates that service animals are allowed in public schools and all public areas to provide help and assistance for people that have disabilities. Most people think of service animals as being strictly for the blind but service dogs have been trained to help people with a large range of disabilities including cerebral palsy.

One of the lifesaving benefits that a service animal can provide for a person with cerebral palsy is announcing that the person is having a seizure that could be life threatening. Some researchers have considered that the changes in body odor that precede a seizure tell the dog that a seizure is imminent before any human could detect the signs of a seizure.

This short video explains the hoops that the family of a boy with cerebral palsy had to jump through in order to allow a Pit Bull named Stevie to accompany his owner Anthony to school because the 7-year-old has cerebral palsy. The stink was based on the fear that a ferocious Pit Bull might attack other children despite the fact that the dog was constantly attached to the child’s wheelchair and was professionally certified to be a safe and friendly service dog.

The post Service Pit Bull Wins Right To Attend School With His Very Special Human. This Made Me SO Happy appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Police from the Canton, Ohio police department responded to a call about an alarm at a grocery store on the night of Saturday, January 9^th.  Officer Davis and Jethro arrived on scene and were fired upon by the suspect, Kelontre D. Barefield.  He struck Jethro in the face, neck, and shoulder.  Police returned fire, and Barefield was struck in the leg.

Jethro was rushed to a hospital, and Davis remained by his side throughout.

“One of the problems is Jethro is refusing to rest. He’s just trying to beat this thing the way he’s used to, by fighting,” the Police K-9 Association posted. “So they have given him a sedative that has finally allowed his brain to settle enough to actually close his eyes and rest. He hasn’t closed his eyes since 0200 yesterday. Hopefully he rests through the night.”

Sadly, the next morning, he had succumbed to his injuries.

“He was a fighter,” Davis told Fox 8. “He fought extremely hard… there came a time at the hospital when the vet told me with that look that there was nothing else they could do. I just needed to let him go be in peace.”

The memorial service was held at the Canton Memorial Civic Center on what would have been Jethro’s third birthday. Hundreds of human police officers and 106 K-9 officers attended the service, and the dogs walked in the procession.

“They teach you from day one that this could happen – they’re there for you, for this, to sacrifice for you if need be, but it doesn’t make it any easier. It hurts. I’d gladly take his place if I could,” Davis said tearfully.

Barefield is currently recovering in a hospital, but when he is released, he will be charged with assaulting a police dog and felonious assault on a peace officer. A petition has been created asking politicians to create a law so that murderers of K-9s would face the same charges as if they had killed a human officer in the line of duty.

“There is no doubt in my mind that I am here because of what he did,” Davis noted.

A fundraiser has been set up in honor of Jethro to provide other K-9s in the Canton area with bulletproof vests so there are fewer fatalities on the job. Click here if you would like to donate.

“My husband and I own a veterinary clinic in Canton, Ohio. This morning our team asked if we could help in any way. We are purchasing Pet Oxygen Kits for the Canton PD K9 Unit,” said Angela Gainey, a commenter on the fundraiser page. “They have been contacted about what we are doing. I am letting everyone know so that they money goes towards other things needed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Canton PD and K9 Officer Jethro’s family.”

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Tyler Gerdts is a seventeen-year-old boy with Autism. He was born with a brain injury. But that didn’t stop Tyler from doing what he loves–running!

Ever since Hugo came into Tyler’s life, Tyler changed for the better. Tyler even told the Huffington Post that Hugo is his first real best friend and his number one friend. Isn’t that sweet? And according to his Tyler’s mom, she saw an amazing transformation in Tyler when Hugo became a part of his life.

Hugo is very well-trained to cater to Tyler’s needs. He was extensively trained at the Highland Canine Training in Harmony, North Carolina. He’s trained to respond in emergency cases like tracking Tyler, be able to sniff gases in the air, and as well as run with the boy! Watch the video below and see them running together!

Great job, Tyler and Hugo! You both are an inspiration to everyone!

What a beautiful friendship these two have!

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A dog named Kirsch earned an Honorary Master’s Degree at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. This adorable service dog sat through all the classes together with his human, Carlos Mora. He was able to attend the classes included in Mr. Mora’s program for him to finish his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. So during graduation day, Kirsch was also with Mr. Mora, wearing a cap and graduation gown.

Kirsch was the most adorable graduate there. He and his human were the last ones called on stage. And when they were called, this was what the college officials said,

“Our last counseling degree graduate to walk across the stage tonight is Carlos Mora and his service dog, Kirsch. Since Kirsch sat through every class with Carlos, both will be receiving a master’s degree in mental health counseling. We want everyone to know that Kirsch was not charged for his degree.”

Kirsch also got a diploma for his Honorary Master’s Degree. And it’s a real one, signed by the School of Education Dean and the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs.

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A deep connection and bond was quickly established between the two “Bunce” and both were delighted to be together. Justin will be helping and working with Bunce to become a wounded warrior service dog. You see, despite his injuries, Marine Cpl Justin Bunce works to help other veterans wounded in battle. Whoever said that “soldiers never die, they just fade away” has certainly NOT met this heroic marine!

To name a puppy after him will truly help in Justin’s recovery; what more now that he will be helping in Bunce’s training. Being needed; being productive goes a long way to healing a person; physically, mentally and emotionally and this has been proven time and time again. Share this heartwarming video and let our recovering soldiers know that there is a productive life waiting for them. They just need to heal first with the help of these wonderful service dogs!

The post Horribly Injured Fighting For Our Freedom, This Marine Just Got His Own Service Dog appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Rescued from death row by a prison rehabilitation program designed to assist former inmates learn about how to care for themselves and someone else, and reintegrate into society, Gander is a true from rags to riches story.  Gander has been given the AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence, and has the thanks of many people that he’s helped keep alive and save over the years.

After the inmate Gander had been paired with was released back into society, she credits him with keeping her alive and focused in a truly trying time for her.  After that, gander got further training as a service dog in Colorado.  He was given then to Vietnam Vet Lon Hodge.

Hodge suffered through years of PTSD and autoimmune mobility issues.  Things like crippling depression, panic attacks and mentally reliving the horrors of war took their toll on Lon.  High blood pressure, even at rest, was also another big problem, but within two weeks of being with Gander, things were looking up.  His at rest heart rate dropped significantly from 120 beats per minute to 80.  A big success.  Now, things like social gatherings and interacting with the community are not as hard, and it’s all thanks to Gander.

Lon and Gander have started their own foundation to raise awareness about PTSD and the high rate of suicide amongst veterans.  The Service Dog Education and Assistance Foundation’s aim is to show the often life changing effects service and therapy dogs have in the lives of trauma survivors.  Together, they have been to over 300 schools, nursing homes and veteran’s gatherings spreading the word to the world.

One could say that Gander has positively affected the lives of many people.  Lon knows that every interaction Gander has with someone leaves its mark on them, the same way it did for him.  Gander hasn’t just saved his life, but many lives in this process, and Lon couldn’t be prouder of his best mate.

You can get more info on Lon and Gander by visiting their Facebook page.  You can even become friends with him there, and get updates on all of his adventures and read stories of just how awesome Gander is.  Just click here.

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Lance Corporal Andrew Harmon has been home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan for a couple of years now.  It’s also been a couple of years since he saw his service mate Rebel, a military dog he spent virtually every moment with while there.  Harmon and Rebel have been reunited, and Harmon says his prayers have been answered.

“I just prayed a lot for the dog. I was like, ‘God, I hope one day I get to see him again’,” said Harmon.

When Harmon joined the Marines, he hadn’t imagined himself as a dog handler.  However, he found out that by getting into a dog handler’s position, he would get to be on active duty.  According to Harmon, when he went to be paired with his new charge, it was Rebel that chose him.

Harmon and Rebel spent every moment together while overseas.  For Harmon, it was his first tour of duty and it was Rebel’s second.  Truly, they are what some would call a bonded pair.

“I’ve had numerous dogs before, but the bond wasn’t like this. You know, I can’t describe it,” said Harmon.

After taking a massive concussive blast from an explosion, Rebel was left badly injured.  He suffered a stroke and had to be retired and sent back to the United States.

While home, a tumor had been found on one of Rebel’s knees and needed to be removed.  The woman Rebel was staying with just could not afford to pay for the surgery.  That’s when she called Harmon and got the pair back together.

“It’s just indescribable,” Harmon said. “It was almost like when I had my daughter or when I got married… something like that. That’s the best way I can describe it.”

Rebel and Harmon are together now.  Rebel is healing up nicely, and the two help each other out coping with post combat stress.  Harmon is now looking for ways that he and Rebel can do some good locally.

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Cathy Powell suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, and has a service dog, named Duffy.  When she got Duffy to begin training him to be a service dog, she wasn’t planning on keeping him.  However, after seeing how beneficial he is after her symptoms got worse, she’s decided that training service dogs is her calling.

“It’s amazing what a service dog can do — just absolutely amazing,” said Cathy.

Duffy IS an amazing help to her almost daily.  Aside from just retireving something Cathy has dropped, he can get her water bottle for her, help her get dressed and even help her climbing the stairs.  Oh yeah, he’s excellent at hugs.

“They can really be a comfort to you,” cathy said.  “I’ll say, ‘Duffy, I really need a hug,’ and he’ll come up and lay his front paws on me.”

This is why she wants to share the improved quality of life that a service dog can bring to someone in need.  Lucky for her, Duffy and Cathy’s other dog Lucy had puppies, so finding good dogs for training wasn’t going to be tough.  However, eight pups are a lot to deal with, and that’s why Cathy is looking for other service dog trainers near by for help.  But not just any old trainer will do.

“I am very specific about how I want my dogs trained,” she said.  “It is a commitment.”

While Cathy knows the future puppy-raisers will feel good about helping others in need, she recognizes that giving up the puppies after two years is going to be the hardest part.  She said “it’s because they are so stinkin’ loveable!”

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For the last two years, Monica Alboniga has been trying to convince the Broward County School Board to allow her seven-year-old son to have his service dog with him at school.  The boy has cerebral palsy, and very much relies on his dog, Stevie.  Last week a judge ruled that Stevie should be allowed to attend.

With as many worries about their children that parents already have, none should have to worry about the safety of their child while at school.  In addition to cerebral palsy, Anthony Merchante has spastic paralysis, a seizure disorder, and he is unable to speak.  He uses a wheelchair to get around, and Stevie is often tethered to it.

Monica says Stevie “has saved Anthony’s life. I feel completely safe every time he is with the dog, because I know the dog will look for help.”

Stevie alerts people when Anthony has trouble breathing or is about to have a seizure.  He can lay himself across Anthony’s lap to support his head so his airway isn’t restricted.

“Stevie lets me know when he has seizures or problems breathing. He pushes me toward Anthony. He barks,” Monica said. “When Anthony is having convulsions, he starts barking and goes looking for us. Then he goes back to Anthony and stays with him.”

Despite this, school administrators continuously said the trained service dog did not belong in the school.  A lawsuit was filed, and fortunately, US District Judge Beth Bloom is of a different opinion that the school.  She ruled that Stevie should be allowed to attend Nob Hill Elementary with Anthony.

“The district has always permitted the service dog at the school,” said the district’s spokeswoman, Tracy Clark. Alboniga “pursued the lawsuit as the parties [the district and the plaintiff] differ somewhat in the interpretation of the federal regulations governing service animals. The district’s legal department is reviewing and analyzing the order.”

When Monica submitted a formal request for Stevie to accompany Anthony in July of 2013, the school board demanded that Stevie must have a number of vaccinations that dogs are rarely given, and that Monica pay for Stevie to have a handler.

Her attorney, Matthew Dietz, called the rider “an impossible barrier” that violated federal civil rights laws.

“The fact that the judge said the school board’s rules made no sense vindicates this woman’s belief that what she was doing for her son was the right thing,” he said.

For the first four months that Anthony attended kindergarten, his mother worked as Stevie’s handler.  Later, a custodian was appointed the task of walking Stevie outside and making sure other children didn’t interfere with his responsibilities.

“While at school,” Judge Bloom wrote, “Stevie does not eat or drink. Nor does Stevie defecate or make stains, or require cleaning or exercise.”

But administrators repeatedly claimed that it was not the district’s job to help Anthony keep Stevie at school.  However, someone at the US Justice Department said the board “fundamentally misunderstands” ADA regulations, which state that “public entities generally must permit individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals.”

The board argued that Stevie’s presence wasn’t necessary, as there were staff trained to perform the same tasks, and that the district shouldn’t have to pay for a dog handler.

“Congress specifically intended that individuals with disabilities not be separated from their service animals, even in schools,” the DOJ wrote.

Judge Bloom ruled that it was reasonable to expect the district to allow Stevie on campus “in the same way a school would assist a non-disabled child to use the restroom, or assist a diabetic child with her insulin pump, or assist a physically disabled child employ her motorized wheelchair.”

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This video is disappointingly short – only six seconds long (and then nine of advertising). So here’s a bonus video:

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