A well-received sorority fundraiser, a group of soon-to-be service dogs visited campus yesterday, bringing with them incredible piles of cuteness. For only a dollar, passersby could enjoy the cuddles of one of the adorable puppies for a short time— a welcome reprieve from the chaos of the rest of campus!
What is a service dog?
As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is a dog that is “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”
What do service dogs do?
Typically raised by volunteers prior to their formal training, service dogs assist their owners with a variety of tasks that nondisabled peoples tend to see as habitual, such as retrieving objects or working doors, or with other duties, such as recognizing medical issues like seizures.
How do I identify a service dog?
Generally, a service dog can be identified by its emblematic vest.
What should I do if I see a service dog?
Ask permission before trying to pet this dog, no matter how incredibly cute it may be— the worst thing you could do is distract it from its duties. Do not ask the handler about his/her disabilities— an incredibly personal matter— or try to feed the dog. Of course, treat the person just as you would any other; he or she is not like any other who lacks a service dog!
Special thanks to Delta Gamma for bringing these lovelies to campus!