Here are some new pictures to show you Cable's progress as she continues to work at Ruffsport with Heather McLeod.
Amanda is working Cable with her golden friends, Kira and Galaxy.
Heather has Galaxy, Cable and Kira focused on her. All eyes on the trainer!
Cable and Kira waiting and ready to respond to Amanda's command.
Amanda is looking forward to their next training session and will be eager to have Cable home!
Just a few pictures of Cable in training at Ruffsport last week, and of course, some relaxation time watching the Leafs game as well.
Today is International Epilepsy Awareness Day, a day celebrated in over 130 countries with events to raise awareness about epilepsy. This year the theme centers on the stigma faced by people living with epilepsy.
The International League Against Epilepsy has published articles to educate people about the myths surrounding epilepsy such as that it is a mental illness, contagious or that it limits activities. These are common public misconceptions that can cause people living with epilepsy to be denied access to the same opportunities and rights as everyone else.
Often, the article goes on to say, the stigma attached to the condition is more difficult to deal with than the condition itself.
Service dogs such as Kira and Cable are trained to perform tasks that will help Amanda to cope with the aspects of life affected by her condition.
Much like a wheelchair, service dogs are considered medical equipment for their handlers. They are legally allowed in most public places, with the exception of sterile environments such as an operating room, or rooms where food is prepared.
In Ontario service dog handlers must have a note from their doctor stating that they need the dog. No other documentation is required. Most service dogs will have a cape or harness to make it clear that they are working dogs, not to be petted or distracted while they are "in uniform."
Out of uniform, the handler may give their dog permission to interact with other people if it won't interfere with the dog's job.
Here are some photos of Cable and friends both learning and relaxing at Ruffsport as they train.
"Now the next lesson is..."
Pink and Cable on National Golden Retriever Day.
Thank you for your continued support and donations toward Cable's journey.
The story of a dog whose calling is to be a service dog.
Still working hard.
Amanda, Heather, Mary and Cable continue to train and practice in public venues. Tomorrow they will visit a restaurant again, to acclimatize Cable to a busy place with lots of distractions to see and smell. Cable will be expected to ignore the distractions and remain calmly out of the way, able to see her handler and pay attention to any signs that she is needed. This is a big job and takes lots of patience, practice and repetition.
Cable had a busy fall and Christmas and is working hard with Brooke Nishio of T.E.A.M. Canines to complete her service dog training. Here ...
