Street Safety

This set of pictures will explain how a service dog works to keep Amanda safe. Today's photos focus on street safety and feature Amanda's first service dog, Kramer.
Stay tuned for additional segments in the days to come!

Street safety is an important skill for Amanda's service dog to provide for her. Amanda wears a wraparound leash that attaches the dog to her waist. When she is ready to cross the street, her dog will wait for a command. During seizure, Amanda might continue walking automatically and unaware, but the leash will restrict her from stepping into the street unless she is able to verbalize the correct command.

Should traffic be coming, the dog will also hold firm and prevent Amanda from walking on, even if she does give the command.

If Amanda begins crossing a busy road and then feels a seizure about to start, she can give another command for the dog to pull her quickly across the street and safely to the other side.

This was the main safety concern when a service dog was first suggested to our family. We are so grateful Amanda is able to walk independently and safely throughout the community with her dog! Cable will learn these skills too!