In honor of the Seeing Eye Guide Dog birthday on January 29th, we would like to give a special salute to, not only Seeing Eye dogs, but all service dogs. These special pups are put through rigorous trainings to be more than just a devoted “man’s best friend,” but be by their owner day and night to detect medical emergencies, or help make life a little easier.
Barkpost.com posted an article with some interesting facts about pups. Some of these facts alone prove that dogs are capable, willing, and even honored to take on the role of helping their human.
“Dogs are capable of understanding up to 250 words and gestures, can count up to five and can perform simple mathematical calculations…” They are smart.
“Some stray Russian dogs have figured out how to use the subway system in order to travel to more populated areas in search of food.” They are resourceful.
“Two stray dogs in Afghanistan saved 50 American soldiers…” They are loyal.
“…pup, Nesbit, earned over one million Delta airline miles in his life and had his own frequent flier card.” They are adaptable.
“One of Michael Vick’s former fighting dogs, Leo, went on to be a therapy dog who comforted dying children.” They are resilient.
“Service dogs are trained to know when they are on duty. When their harness is on, they know it’s business time. When you take it off, the pups immediately become playful and energetic.” They are lovable.
Smart, resourceful, loyal, adaptable, resilient, and lovable…these qualities earn dogs the job of helping humans with medical conditions such as blindness, deafness, autism, and various psychological conditions. So, while dogs are commonly called “man’s best friend,” to some they are much, much more.
Source: “21 Facts About Dogs That Will Blow Your Mind,” http://barkpost.com/fascinating-facts-about-dogs/