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At the 48th Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Service Dogs was established as primary and permanent charity of General Grand Chapter along with the adoption of a Service Dog Committee as a Standing Committee.
In Arizona, our chosen Service Dog Organization is "Paws with a Cause". Here's a link to their website for more information: www.pawswithacause.org What is a Service Dog? 1. Service Dogs are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. 2. Service Dogs undergo extensive training to perform their jobs. 3. Service Dogs perform a variety of different tasks. 4. Service Dogs are NOT pets. Do not pet, talk to, or distract a working service dog. 5. The only types of animals recognized as trained to do work/perform tasks for people with disabilities are dogs and miniature horses. 6. Service dogs can be any breed or size. While larger dogs such as Labradors are commonly used as guide and mobility dogs, smaller dogs can also be service dogs. 7. Service dogs should (but don’t always) wear special harnesses or vests with patches identifying them as service, guide, or medical alert dogs. 8. A Service dog is expected to behave in accordance with strict standards, and its handler is expected to adhere to dog handler etiquette. 9. Service dogs are allowed access to anyplace that is open to the public, however can be asked to leave if not under control. 10. A Service dog must be accompanying a disabled person in order to be granted access. The rights of the disabled handler are protected – not the dog. Remember, not all types of disabilities are apparent to others. There are different types of service dogs: guide dogs for the blind, earing dogs, mobility dogs, medical alert dogs, medical assistance dogs, and psychiatric service dogs. |
Teresa Fuller, Grand Organist, and her service dog, R2, who is now a member of the grand family and alerts us when something is wrong with Teresa.
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