May 2022 Newsletter

Message from the Executive Director

I am pleased to announce that our next training class series is scheduled to begin July 9, 2022!!

We are currently accepting applications. You will find instructions and the application packet posted on the website under “Apply for a Dog.”

Thanks to support from Hills’ Pet Nutrition, Zoesta, and Midwestern University incentives will be provided to students for this new class series that include free Hill’s dog food and some basic veterinary care as well as flea, tick, and deworming medications for the duration of the class – see the application information for details.

We’re looking forward to having you join us.

Please contact us with any questions at info@servicedogsupport.org or by phone at 623-200-9762.

Classroom News

Lindsey/Shannon & Bailey- This team is making great progress with exposure training and generalizing tasks. Bailey has been able to accomplish grabbing her “go get help” item and giving it to the person she needs to retrieve and guiding them back to Shannon. She is also making good progress with her medical alert tasks. Lindsey has been doing great with taking Bailey everywhere with her. Bailey went to the movies for the first time and did great, she laid down during the whole movie and had no issues! They are meeting up with Shannon frequently to continue their hands-on training together as a team.

Sharon/Tom & Ruby- This team took their first outing to a public place and Ruby did wonderful and was very confident! We’re working with Ruby on getting used to walking next to Tom at heel side with his walker; Ruby is not shy whatsoever and is doing great with staying by his side! We are at work with adding distractions to her obedience commands and how to properly greet strangers.

Wellness Tips

As discussed in April heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a true medical emergency. It occurs when the body loses its ability to cool.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

Rapid and irregular pulse
Rapid and/or difficulty breathing
Exaggerated or labored panting, or sudden stopping of panting
Very high body temperature- cell damage or death can occur at temps > 106
Excessive drooling; frothing at the mouth
Dark red gums
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Barking or whining
Anxiety or agitation
Dizziness or staggering when walking
Confusion
Incoordination
Vacant expression or staring
Weakness or listlessness
Shaking or seizures
Sudden collapse
Loss of consciousness
Dry mouth or nose
Decreased urine output
Glazed eyes; dilated pupils
Difficulty standing or walking

Much the same as for heat exhaustion, these steps Prevention of heat stroke: Some steps you can take to protect your dog include:

Exercise your dog in the early morning hours during the hot summer months.
Limit the time that you allow your dog to be outdoors to exercise.
Always ensure that your dog has adequate amounts of cool water (or ice chips) to drink.
If you will be outdoors at an event with your service dog, consider purchasing a battery operated small portable fan. Always bring a thicker, thermal blanket for your dog to lay on when outdoors at events so that they do not have to lay on hot pavement.
Always carry a thermal jug of cold water, and put ice cubes in the water before leaving the home to ensure that the water stays cold.
Ensure that you carry a portable water bowl with you at all times as a part of your dogs routine working equipment.

Stay safe and stay cool!