Fundraising for Our Service Dog
Service Dogs

TIWhen we are out and about in public with our Goldendoodle service dog, I am often stopped and asked questions. Ned is nearly a hundred pounds and attracts a lot of attention. If my daughter can tolerate the inquiries, I am happy to oblige and refer families to our agency 4 Paws for Ability. The most frequently asked question is how much does it cost for a service dog. Here...

Differences Between Service and Guide Dogs
Service Dogs

  Guide Dogs and Service Dogs (This post is based on my personal experience with one service dog agency and observations at one Guide Dog agency). I had the opportunity to attend a Guide Dogs of America (GDA) graduation ceremony and tour their facilities in Sylmar California. I am a trained handler for my daughter’s service dog (a three-unit team) and supervise my son while he is handling his service...

Volunteering Vacation in Greece
Family Travel, Greece Travel, Service Dogs

*All expenses for this trip were paid by the author. Greece Here We Come We visited Greece in November 2018 and had fun being tourists in Thessaloniki. Elena (Ned’s trainer in Ohio), her mom Irene, and her friend Vasilis were our tour guides as we enjoyed delicious Greek food, visited beautiful historical landmarks, and shopped. We were on a special mission during our volunteering vacation in Greece. Miss Bee, Ned,...

Our Service Dog Training Journey
Service Dogs

In January 2014 my family was assigned to the January 2015 service dog training class. I was elated but shivering thinking about the severe winter weather we would encounter. Winter coats in Los Angeles are hoodies and we wear summer clothing year-round. Two adults are required to attend the entire training session. This ensures that at least one dog handler (a parent) is able to focus on the training and...