Animals Unfolded

There are plenty of animals in our community that have jobs: service dogs, certified therapy dogs, those that specialize in search and rescue (including horses) — and those that work in law enforcement and military. Each have gone through extensive training, and although they use all of their senses to do their jobs, one in particular is essential — their sight. Even if smell is the predominant sense that is used, as in bomb or drug sniffing, these animals couldn't manage without good vision. An annual event will help the handlers and families of these animals stay on top of things where their animal's ocular health is concerned. Board certified Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and their staff have for the past several years, generously donated their time and services to provide free screening ocular exams to qualified service animals who are currently active. Rue, a black Labrador trained as a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD), is a testament ...

In a previous article regarding the changes in the Americans With Disabilities Act , ADAI was one of the service dog training centers in the area that I had featured. Assistance Dogs America Inc ., located in Swanton, Ohio, has placed therapy dogs and service dogs with individuals for over 25 years. Helping kids and adults with disabilities achieve more independence by training and placing the dogs to assist with the individual's daily needs. ADAI serves individuals in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan's lower peninsula. For more information on just what these amazing service dogs do, or for more information, visit http://www.adai.org/ Read a featured article on AADI on AnnArbor.com - Local Woman Receives Therapy Dog - Community News Lorrie Shaw is a pet blogger, owner of Professional Pet Sitting (pet sitting and dog walking) and a regular pets contributor on AnnArbor.com. She enjoys writing about topics ranging from health, behavior and the social connection betwe...