Willow’s mom here…Ms. Pant’s is busy napping. I’d like to say she’s had a hard week of work and is tuckered out but, the truth is I think she’s really just laying and dreaming about all the handsome First Responders we’ve worked with this week. I’m not kidding. I think she actually “swoons” sometimes when she meets some of these guys.

Which brings us to our topic today. Service Dogs and emergencies.

My dear friend and speaking partner Renee LeVerrier spend a great deal of our time educating the public, businesses and first responders regarding Service Dogs. What we’ve learned is they also educate us. Especially the first responders. While they are always so enthusiastic and grateful for what we teach them, during our conversations we always come away with more information that we as handler’s can use to help them, help us. Education, a two way street! As it’s meant to be!

These are just a few things we think are very important and as any of you who know Renee and I know, yes, there will be a brochure coming…:)

First, the “DO NOT Separate in case of emergency” stickers that are available for your vehicle should be on your vehicle AND on your home. Just like having a sticker for your child in the house, have this for your SD.

2. Have a tag on your SD either on the harness or collar with its name, the fact that it’s an SD, Vet, alternate handler and phone number.

3. In your home, have your SD’s gear near the door and clearly marked. Leash, collar, vest, etc. If you have more than one dog, a card explaining which is the SD with name and instructions in the event you are not conscious.

4. Always carry with you extra leash, collar, vest in case of emergency.

5. Carry a bag in you vehicle clearly marked SERVICE DOG and in it place these extras as well as a card with the SD’s name, type of service, simple commands, emergency contact phone numbers, Vet information, collapsible bowl and even YOUR medical info.

6. Make a duplicate bag for home and keep it by your door. redundancy is a good thing. Sometimes, grab and go is the way it’s going to go….

7. Fill out the disability indicator form if available in your state! This goes into the 911 system and alerts them that you have a SD when the call is dispatched. Here is the link for MA. http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/setb/disability-info-and-form.pdf

As we continue I’ll add more but, that’s a good start. We as handler’s need to help them help us.

I can’t tell you just how receptive and wonderful these people are to work with. They also have incredibly difficult  and stressful jobs as first responders and for that they have our sincere gratitude and respect. So let’s do our part.

The pictures are from last night’s session and I’m not sure a smaller ambulance could be found. It just goes to show, you never know what’s going to happen but, you can make it work…..~Willow’s Mom