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September is not only the start of fall, but it's also National Service Dog Month! This special month is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the hardworking service dogs who provide love, support, and assistance to those in need. Did you know that the first recorded use of a service dog dates back to ancient Egypt? These incredible animals have been providing invaluable services for thousands of years and continue to do so today. So let's take some time this month to appreciate these amazing furry companions and all they do for us.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1929</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Guide Dog School</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Seeing Eye, the first guide dog school in the United States, was established to train dogs to guide blind individuals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ADA Legislation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities to use service dogs in public places.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Service Dog Roles</div><div class='timeline-text'>Service dogs began to be trained to assist with a broader range of disabilities, such as epilepsy, PTSD, and autism, expanding their roles significantly.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ADA Amendment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ADA amended the definition of "service animals" to include only dogs that are trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Service Dog Month Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Service Dog Month was established by Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods to recognize the critical role service dogs play in our society. Originally celebrated in August, it was moved to September in subsequent years.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, service dogs continue to help and provide companionship to individuals living with various disabilities, being recognized for their dedication and hard work during National Service Dog Month every September.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a service dog organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time giving back to service dogs by volunteering at a local organization that trains or supports them. You can walk, play, or groom the dogs, or help with administrative tasks. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a service dog charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for service dogs by making a donation to a charity that helps train and provide them to those in need. Every little bit helps and you'll be contributing to a wonderful cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a service dog event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events in your area that celebrate and bring awareness to the important work of service dogs. This could be a fun way to learn more and show your appreciation for these amazing animals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your service dog story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have a personal connection to service dogs, share your story on social media or with friends and family. This can help educate others about the importance of these animals and their impact on people's lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Train your own service dog</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have the time and resources, consider training your own service dog to assist someone in need. This is a big commitment, but it can be incredibly rewarding knowing you are helping someone live a more independent life. Just make sure to do thorough research and seek professional guidance before taking on this responsibility.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Service dogs provide invaluable assistance to those in need</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Service dogs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks that can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, including visual or hearing impairments, mobility issues, and mental health conditions. By recognizing National Service Dog Month, we raise awareness for their important role in society and honor their dedication to helping people every day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights the importance of service dog training</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Service Dog Month also emphasizes the importance of adequate training for service dogs. These dogs must undergo rigorous training programs to develop necessary skills and behaviors for their specific roles. By recognizing this month, we bring attention to the hard work and specialized training that goes into creating these amazing working animals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the bond between service dogs and their handlers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Service dogs play an essential role in enhancing the independence and safety of their handlers. They also provide companionship and emotional support, creating strong bonds with their owners. National Service Dog Month is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate this unique relationship between service dogs and their handlers.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Service Dogs Possess Extraordinary Smelling Sense</h3><p class='facts-content'>Service dogs are not just able to see or hear dangers; they can also smell variations in human body. This ability can be lifesaving, especially for people prone to seizures or drastic changes in blood sugar levels.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Service Dogs can Detect Allergens</h3><p class='facts-content'>Service dogs can be trained to detect allergens, such as peanuts or gluten, in both food and the environment around them, protecting their handlers from potentially harmful allergic reactions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Service Dogs Have Diverse Roles</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though traditionally used for visually or hearing impaired individuals, service dogs now aid many others including those with PTSD, autism, mental health disorders, and mobility impairments.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It Takes Two Years to Train a Service Dog</h3><p class='facts-content'>On average, it can take up to two years to fully train a service dog. This includes basic obedience training and their specialized training to suit individual's needs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not all Dogs can be Service Dogs</h3><p class='facts-content'>Not every dog is suitable to be a service dog. These dogs require specific character traits such as high concentration levels, ability to ignore distractions, willingness to please and adaptability.</p></div></div>
National Service Dog Month is celebrated on September 1 every year. In 2024 National Service Dog Month will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Sep 1
Friday
2024
Sep 1
Sunday
2025
Sep 1
Monday
2026
Sep 1
Tuesday
2027
Sep 1
Wednesday
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