The Alternative Press

Sometime life surprises you. I enjoy taking walks after school with my trained facilitator. We were both taken by surprise a few days ago, when a medium-size, mixed breed dog came loose from his leash and attacked me!

Service dogs do not know how to fight back. We are gentle, and we help people. The dog attacked my leg and would not let go. I was screaming because I was so frightened and in pain.  My facilitator fought the dog off me. 

Thankfully, no bones in my leg were broken. I am healing and will be fine but, my leg is still sore. My facilitator was shaken up, too, but she has healed emotionally and mentally from this traumatic experience.

I am happy to be back at school and have all my ECLC friends with me. The students even made me beautiful cards. Thank you!

Better Protection Needed for Working Dogs

My facilitator does not have a disability. I am a facility dog and help students with special needs. I am trustworthy in professional environments and can perform more than 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire clients with special needs. But what if I was a service, hearing or Seeing Eye dog? These dogs perform important daily tasks and increase independence of their owners, by reducing reliance on other people. They can increase feelings of security and self-confidence by heightening awareness of environmental sounds and sights. Their dogs are their life.

We need stricter laws for any pet that attacks a Working Dog!!

NOTE: Bark, if you agree with Gino! Or, better, yet, please encourage your state representative to support Assembly Bill #2728 (aka "Dusty's Law"), that establishes criminal penalties for killing, injuring or interferring with a guide dog.