Monday, Aug. 4th, is National Assistance Dog Day. Do Unto Others Assistance Dogs chose our name deliberately. We chose Assistance Dogs rather than Service Dogs because Assistance Dogs is a larger umbrella. Service Dogs are task-trained for a specific individual - whether mobility, autism or PTSD, these dogs are trained to be focused on serving just one special person. Assistance Dogs includes service dogs, but also refers to dogs working as Therapy or Facility dogs - dogs who work with many different individuals during their work day.

Assistance Dog Day is part of International Assistance Dog Week. Its purpose is to recognize the contributions of these amazing dogs; to raise awareness and educate the public about how these dogs should be integrated into our communities; and to recognize the efforts of the puppy raisers and trainers who prepare these dogs for service.

What can you do to observe International Assistance Dog Week?

DONATE:

1. In HONOR of someone you know whose life has been impacted by their service dog.

2. In HONOR of a special puppy raiser or trainer who had a part of your dog's journey.

3. In HONOR or MEMORY of a special dog - service or family pet - whose life enriched yours.

EDUCATE:

1. Talk to someone at work, or while you're out running errands in your community about Do Unto Others Assistance Dogs and our mission.

2. Model appropriate interaction with any service team you might encounter. Teach by example.

ADVOCATE:

1. Set up an opportunity for Do Unto Others to come and speak.

2. Help us find the grants and fundraiser opportunities that are out there.

International Assistance Dog Week

Honoring Assistance Dogs and the People they Serve