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6 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | APRIL 2020 By Theresa Rossetti, Resident We have a lot of dogs here at SDV! Aside from the joy and exercise we get from caring for our dogs, many dogs (and some other animals) serve other purposes. What are the differences, and do we need to behave in a certain way around them? A service animal (only dogs or miniature horses) is any animal trained to help a person who has a disability, such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental illness, seizures, mobility impairment, autism, or diabetes. They receive intensive training before being placed with their "person" and the criteria for the need for a service animal varies by disability. Therapy animals are animals who, with their owners, volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy animals and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people. They receive basic training before going to "work." Emotional support animals are defined by their ability to comfort people through affection and companionship. Though they don't receive any formal training, they are a big help to those who suffer from mental and/or emotional issues. We'll always know that a dog is a "working" dog because they're wearing a vest, right? Nope. They might wear a vest, but there is no federal law that requires one. Many states, however, have laws in place making it illegal to represent an animal as a service animal when they are not trained. If you're a dog lover, your natural instinct when you see a dog in public (stores, restaurants, airports, etc.) is to want to pet that dog. Don't. The dog could be working. If possible, it's okay to greet the owner and ask. They may allow it, but most of the time they won't if it's a service dog. The dog should not be distracted from working to take care of his/ her person. As for K-9 or Search and Rescue dogs, they're hard to miss. If you see one out in public, it is unlikely you would mistake one for a "regular" pet. They are definitely working, and their handler will correct you if you try to distract them. WHO'S A GOOD BOY?

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