Dogs as Pets and Helpers

Dogs are wonderful companions and, if well treated, are thoroughly loyal to their owners. They are unaware of the barriers of class and many a listening canine ear hears stories the owner is unable to share with another of the human kind. The dog may not have understood the meaning, but will have listened intently and the owner will probably have been relieved of a heavy burden. Touching a dog also gives great pleasure, and gentle stroking is a thoroughly rewarding experience for both parties concerned and known to reduce blood pressure and slow down heart rate.

Those who live solitary lives, either by choice or through force of circumstance, often derive great pleasure from the company of a dog. It is much more pleasurable to watch a television program or read a book with a dog by one's side or at one's feet than when completely alone. Having a dog around the house gives a lonely owner a reason to do things, and through a dog it is frequently easier to come into contact with other people and make new friendships. Many people end up in conversation because of their dogs; people who would otherwise never have had reason even to pass the time of day with one another.

Exercising a dog is another important feature of canine ownership. Playing, even around the home, gives both dog and owner enormous pleasure and walking is for most people a much more enjoyable experience when accompanied by a dog. The pleasure experienced by a dog on a long or interesting walk is clearly visible and of course the health; muscle tone of both dog and owner are improved as a result.

Guide dogs
Because dogs are such wonderful companions, coupled with the fact that they are intuitive and easily taught, they have found themselves helping mankind in many ways through the centuries. No one can help but be aware of the invaluable service they have been to the blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind having been formed in Great Britain as long ago as 1934. This Association has expanded 1 enormously over the years and centres have been set up throughout the country. Puppies are housed, socialized and walked by others until they are ready 1 to perform the task for which they have been destined and to enter into what will, in most case,   j become a lifetime j bond between dog and sightless or partially sighted owner. A guide dog undoubtedly makes life much easier and more enjoyable for those who do not enjoy good sight and, importantly, such dogs also seem to enjoy their roles, thus making the relationship a doubly rewarding one. There are many guide dog centres, associations and movements throughout the world, from the USA to the Far East, with organizations in both northern and southern hemispheres. All carry out work which is greatly appreciated, not only by those who have guide dogs of their own, but also by those who recognize what valuable partnerships have been built up.

More recently in operation, although now well-established, are Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Dogs for the Disabled. Dogs are trained to assist their owners in the most practical ways. In be of a deaf person, they learn to signal when the telephone rings, while in the case of someone physically disabled the dog will learn to pick up the telephone receiver and take it to the owner. There are many other sounds around the house which dogs can bring to the attention of their owners. Such as the doorbell, or an alarm ringing, or even a baby crying. To alert the owner, a dog will perform a preagreed act to draw attention, perhaps tugging at a trouser leg and then leading the person to the sound.

Helping the dog disabled
A society called Dogs he disabled helps people in many-faceted ways according to their disability, and like guide and hearing dogs for the deaf, dogs are trained and allocated to each individual. The dog will learn to live with the individual's own lifestyle and carry out the most useful of tasks.

At dog shows, it is wonderful to see people with physical disabilities showing their dogs with just as much skill and expertise as able-bodied handlers, another important bond between dog and owner for those who wish to take part in yet another aspect of dog dom.

Dogs which are involved with the organization known as PAT Dogs are those owned by people who feel that lives can be enhanced by others sharing the company of their own dogs. After suitable assessment for temperament, dogs are taken along to hospitals and homes for the elderly where they are introduced to patients and residents. Many visits are to long-term patients, thereby allowing permanent friendships to build up through regular contact.