Hi. I’m Monte, Rich’s service dog.
It’s been a while. The last time I wrote we were still some place called “Florida.”
If you’re new here, Rich lets me in as a guest writer occasionally. It turns out that I’m usually the most popular author on the blog, but I don’t think that bothers him much. You can check out some of my other articles here.
Things are getting a little more hectic around here, which usually means we’re preparing for another bike tour. When I say we, I mean Becky and Rich. Dogs don’t prepare.
One cool thing about RICH’S RIDE projects is we get to meet lots of new people. That’s one of my favorite things. Sometimes Rich says I like people too much to be a good service dog, but what can I do? A dog’s gotta be who he is, right?
I’m the obvious star of the show. Everybody asks about me and pays attention to me, which is how it should be. But I am a service dog, and it’s an important job. There are so many of us out there and we all do great jobs as we are trained thoroughly whilst wearing a service dog training vest which is put on us to warn the public what we are doing. So I thought this might be a good time to tell you about what I do and how you can help.
When I’m wearing my vest, I’m working, even when it doesn’t look like I am.
I know I’m adorable, and I LOVE being petted and scratched. I also love people, and sometimes I forget my job.
So please ask before you touch me, and please don’t be offended if Rich or Becky says, “No.” And, as much as it pains me to say it, don’t offer me food. I was trained to respond to treats, so they’re Rich’s primary method of keeping me focused.
Please don’t assume you know my job.
It might look like I’m just hanging out, but that’s part how I help Rich when we’re in public. Every service dog performs different jobs for its partner. I do some physical tasks for Rich, like picking things up when he can’t reach them. Mostly this happens when we’re alone.
If someone has a working dog like me, don’t assume you know its function. I once met a service dog who helped a veteran with something called PTSD. I didn’t really understand-I’m just a dog. But that’s the point. He was doing an important job even if others couldn’t see it.
It’s okay to ask about my role in a respectful way, but remember that some service dog jobs are kind of sensitive and personal.
Please remember I’m more than a pet.
I’m a regular dog when I’m not working. I love to run with Rich and chase tennis balls and do dog stuff. Sometimes I think that confuses people.
But when I’m working, Rich and I are partners. I go just about everywhere with him, and occasionally people don’t seem to like that. They say things like, “We don’t allow pets here.”
I’m really sensitive to Rich’s feelings. I know when he’s upset, and he always feels awkward and embarrassed when someone doesn’t welcome me. I wish everyone understood that I’m not a pet-I’m a service dog.
What do you want to know about service dogs?
Please leave your question as a comment. I’ll have Rich read them to me and do my best to answer.