Page 128 - ShowSight - April 2020

ON THE LINE
WHAT DOGS DO FOR PEOPLE
AS WE STRUGGLE WITH THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND MEMORIAL DAY IS UPON US, THINK ABOUT HOW DOGS HAVE SERVED IN EVERY CRISIS FROM EPIDEMICS TO WAR.
BY BARBARA “BJ” ANDREWS
We are in awe of average people coming together to help each other during the Corona Virus epidemic. But what about the hero dog at your feet? Don’t wait until May 25th to think about how therapy dogs make life livable for veterans. Military men and women sacrifice emo- tions and even body parts on the front line. Many suffered even more when coming home to an empty or repossessed home. Thank them this Memorial Day.
Then think about the millions of dogs who comforted and protected the families of those veterans. Dogs kept the kids busy, comforted a lonely wife or an elderly in-law. Think about the millions of family dogs who gave healthy people the strength and the will to endure quarantine.
Shouldn’t we have a National Service Dog Day to hon- or all Service and Therapy dogs? I looked it up. There are lots of private groups and websites all promoting the concept— and asking for your donations. But there isn’t one single day much less a week or a month that is a nationally recognized tribute to man’s best friend. What does that say about us?
Let me ask you one simple question—do you have a friend who would suffer starvation, sickness, physical and emotional abuse and still be by your side? Think about that.
It is relatively easy to love someone when you don’t live with them. Your spouse, friend or relative can “get away” from abuse. At the very least, they can turn to other people for help and support.
Now think about this—dogs could leave, but they stay with abusive, even cruel owners. Any dog has the oppor- tunity to climb the fence, slip the lead, dart out the door, but no, the dog stays...are you thinking? Dogs can think ahead. They can anticipate. That’s why a correction works in Obedience. Got it? >
126 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2020