First Responders – Willow’s Perspective

Posted on by Wilamenapants

Willow here….

First, let me clear up something mom said. I do not lay about “dreaming” about all the handsome First Responders we work with. I’m a Great Dane and far too dignified for that.Nor do I “swoon” when I see them. I am however, as any girl would, being appreciative of their “attributes.” I’m assessing how they might be of use to me in my “other life.” Tall, muscular, fast, smart, good with many types of equipment. I’m thinking, well, those pesky squirrels I can’t chase? bet those guys could get ’em. Even when they’re up the tree mocking me. Ha! Boris the bad cat? Those guys have the skills to capture and do away with him. Mom would never know They have protective gear, I’ve seen it. I’m not allowed to even look crossed eyed at him! I’m compiling a list I plan to slip to one of them one day when mom’s not looking. All the things I’d like to do but as a Service Dog especially, I’m not allowed to . These guys have mad skills I tell you. 🙂

One the other side, I’ve learned that if God forbid, something ever happens to mom, these guys know what to do! They’re also learning what to do with a Service Dog in those situations and they’ve been great! Mom really puts them to the test. After classroom training we go work on the real apparatus. It’s actually a lot of fun and very informative for everyone.  She hands me off, pretends to be unconscious in the ambulance and then they have to handle me. They have to figure out how to get me in the ambulance, secure me most safely and then….mom starts YELLING! You should see they’re faces! It’s hysterical. But, it answers the question “what will the dog do if we’re working on you and you react?” A Service Dog is NEVER aggressive. I lay there, roll my eyes a bit, (I’d actually prefer a nap ) and we then move on with the demonstration. The Medic has to then handle me again, get me up and out while mom exits and we then are reunited. They are always impressed that I don’t react to mom’s “drama” and it is real world. Again, I’d still prefer a nap.
Mom always allows me to “go say hi” at the end of each class and I get to walk around and get petted and loved by all the Medics and Firefighters while mom answers any remaining questions. Sooooo much better than biscuits!  I totally love my job! Not only do I get to be a Service Dog and help mom every day but I get to help train First Responders, businesses and the public so other Service Dogs will have an easier time with access. But please don’t tell mom I said that. I like keeping her on toes thinking I have my union rep on speed dial and at any minute…..:)  Woof!
~Willow
Typing courtesy of Blaise “The Good Cat” He has those small Kitty paws 🙂
 

6 thoughts on “First Responders – Willow’s Perspective”

  1. Willow you are a Super Service Dog for sure and believe me, your secret is safe with us. Thanks for keeping us in the loop about all your adventures and thanks Blaise for typing. We all appreciate you showing those handsome first responders how to react around Super Service Dogs. You are awesome Willow. Give mom a hug from all of us.

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  2. Willow you are so cool! I love reading your blog about what you do and how you are training the people that might actually help your mom one day. I do have a question though… do Service Dogs or Great Danes ever get protective of their person? I understand when you are working you probably should not get excited but what if your mom, for example, was really unconscious and obviously injured. Would you as a Service Dog automatically be calm or would you try to guard her from strangers? Not that that would be a good thing but more like a natural response most dogs would have to protect their person.
    Willow, I have no doubt that you would do the right thing and probably even call 911, cause you are a super Special Service Dog. Give Blaise a nice pet or scratch for typing your blog.

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    • Hi Mary, Great question and one that’s so often asked. Service Dogs (including Great Danes) are actually selected and watched during their entire training process for temperament. While yes, I would stay with her and be concerned, Service Dogs are not to be “protective.” Imagine if a Medic were trying to get to mom and I wouldn’t allow that? That would not be in mom’s best interest. My job and any Service Dog’s job is to perform work or tasks they are individually trained to do to mitigate their person’s disability. They are NOT to be protection dogs. Again, I would be concerned. I’m always concerned when I’ve been with mom at the hospital, in the ER, (I have heard her scream in pain for real) but, my concern is displayed by staying close, watching and following directions and then checking on her with my big nose in her face as soon as I can 🙂 Hope this helps answer your question! Woof ~ Willow

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      • Thanks for your quick reply to my question about Service Dogs being protective of their person, and your answer made so much sense and if I would have thought about it more I should have known your training would include you NOT being protective when someone was trying to help your mom. Thanks for your exceptional explanation Willow. 😉

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