Note: New Email for SDAWOL Readers

So my dear readers have you ever wanted to email me directly with a question, comments, or suggestion for a post topic, book review, etc.? Now you can! Email Shiloh and I at servicedogsawayoflife@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from all of you!

Note: New Part-time Job

My dear readers,
As you know this is a tough economy in the U.S. and to make ends meet I now work two part-time jobs, both of which allow me to serve and work with other people with disabilities. My latest job is as a recruiter and facilitator for the Healing Pathways Project described below:

APPROVED: Jul. 6, 2009



Healing Pathways
Women with physical disabilities who experience depression may be eligible to participate in an Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) study. The purpose of the study is to test a peer-implemented 12 week group therapy program. Participants will be randomly assigned to an initial intervention group and a wait-list control group, however, all enrollees will eventually receive therapy. Depending on group assignment participation will last between 6 and 12 months. There is a possibility that dealing with depression will cause emotional distress. Participants will receive monetary compensation. Study sites include Eugene, Salem, Portland, and Medford/Grants Pass, Oregon. For more information call toll-free 877-226-4221. or in Portland call Elizabeth McNeff at (503) 475 4307 / email mcneffea@comcast.net. You may also contact the OHSU Principal Investigator Dr. Hassouneh at (503) 494 2714 or email phillide@ohsu.edu to inquire about the study (OHSU IRB#4296).

This flier was sent out on behalf of OHSU, however, neither your name nor any other information has been disclosed to OHSU.

Media potryal of Service Dogs: What does it do for people perceptions?

When I think of how media portrays service dogs the words "Wonder Dog" immediately come to mind. Most stories you see and read about service dogs are look how amazing and wonderful they are and this person, this poor disabled person had no life before their dog. Unfortunately, while this stories can be nice to see and read; they also perpetuate beliefs about service dogs and their human partners that can do real harm. Some beliefs that are commonly upheld in service dog media coverage:
1) The dog makes the person with a disability more of a person.
People are people no matter their disability and should be treated as such with or without a dog. Sadly, most people with disabilities often feel and are ignored on a regularly basis. The dog gives the people around the person with the disability something they can all comfortably talk about.
2) Service dogs are not dogs and never do doggie things.
This is part of the wonder dog scenario. People are amazed that service dogs are generally calm, quiet, clean, and well behaved. Teams regularly here the phrase "Wow, I did know a dog was here." Truthfully, though service dogs are just that highly trained dogs who just like any dog are capable of barking, getting dirty, playing a good game of keep away, getting into things they are not supposed too, and having off days where they just don't feel like working. The human partner of the team is responsible for ensuring the dogs half has everything he/she needs food, good care,love, play, down time, and continued training. In spite of everyone's best efforts it is possible for a service dog to be surprised by something and let out a bark or do some other doggie thing occasionally while working.
3. Service dogs never get time off.
This is so untrue. People who partner with service dogs understand everyone needs time off in order to keep at their best. Sure the dogs live with their partners and are their pretty much 24/7 but that does not mean the dog never gets to play, nap, or chew it's favorite toy.

Here is an example that leads people to some of these beliefs:House 97 Seconds
Here is and example of a good story-however- I think this story left some holes for instance no one ever said why you shouldn't pet a working service dog.
What are your opinions on media portrayal of service dogs? Do you know of other example good or bad that would interest the readers here?

Book Review: Blog Roll Updates and Additions

New Blogs worth a following on the blog role:

• Memoirs of a Puppy Raiser- I can't say enough how important puppy raisers are. Having raised and trained my first service dog myself I know it is no Sunday walk in the park. This blog is long running, going on three years and even shares the heart break of having to career change or wash out wonderful dogs because they just can't do it for one reason or another. Making the decision to career change and SDIT due to health, physical, or behavior problems is never easy even on seasoned professionals.
• Ours for a Year - Raising A Guide Dog Puppy- this blog has been running for a eight months and will each day we all have our finger crossed Cabana will make it as a guide dog.
  

The following blogs have been eliminate from the roll for lack of activity to make room for more active blogs that will be of interest and use to you my readers:

• Monthly National Legislation Report- inactive for 11 months
• Service Dogs / Animals- inactive for 7 months
• A "Joy"-In-Training- inactive for a month and seem to have been removed completely.
• A Service Dog's Journey- inactive for five weeks

If you are reading this and are the owner of any of the blogs listed above and were just sick or on vacation and would like to have your blog back on the blog roll just leave a comment at the end of this post.