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Aug 11, 2005 11:13 am US/Central
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Service Dogs Take Their Jobs Seriously
by Jeanette Trompeter
(WCCO)
If you've noticed more service dogs around town, that's because more people with disabilities are getting canine companions.
This wouldn't be possible without able-bodied people to train the dogs, and most of those people are volunteers.
A yellow lab puppy named Harley is already well into his training. He's scheduled to be placed with a boy who has cerebral palsy.
Harley has to learn about everything from elevators to shopping malls and listen only to his trainer. His training could take up to two years.
The public is learning to recognize service dogs by their telltale vests, respect the jobs they perform and avoid treating the dogs as pets.
As Grete Krause of Puppy Love Caring Canines explained, petting and playing with the dogs makes work more difficult for dogs and their trainers alike.
"I want (people) to know that they need to ignore the (service) dog, because it is working for that person," Krause said. "It's very hard for the dogs to learn that they mustn't visit everyone."
Carolyn Carnes has balance and mobility problems. If she ever falls or gets close to the ground to perform tasks such as gardening, her service dog, Kody, provides a stable platform and helps her back up.
"I'm here alone a lot during the day, and having her around makes not only myself but my family feel better, knowing I belong to her," Carnes said.
Service dogs are also trained to fetch phones, pick up dropped items and even help their owners remove shoes and socks.
Their lives aren't all work and no play, however. When their vests come off, they're like any other dog that loves treats, hugs and attention.
But when they're out with their owners at the mall or at a restaurant, they have a job to do -- and they love their work.
Puppy Love Caring Canines is a nonprofit organization that depends on donations and volunteers.
Anyone interested in helping the organization is asked to call 651-407-1864.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)