Service Dogs

The Order of the Eastern Star in North Carolina advocates for qualified Service Dog Programs aiding their efforts to serve humankind and allow individuals to achieve independence.

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“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines Service Dogs as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Some states and local laws define service dogs more broadly than the ADA.)”

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“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

Roger Caras

 

There are several types of Service Dogs that serve a wide range of disabilities. The clients have a variety of disabilities including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy (CP) osteogenesis imperfecta, fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, seizure disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure, PTSD and autism.

In addition, there are Guide Dogs for the blind, Hearing Dogs, sometimes referred to as Signal Dogs, Combo Dogs that help individuals with multiple disabilities. The list continues with Mobility Assist Dogs and Psychiatric Service Dogs.

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This is a list of areas that these wonderful caring dogs can help those in need of special assistance. They are not pets. When wearing their vests, they should never be approached to be petted, played with, or fed.  They are on duty and must be in constant contact with their owner. When the vest comes off, they become a dog again, and a game of fetch is particularly important.

 

This is information is just a brief description of the responsibilities of the Service Dog.

The Order of the Eastern Star is one of many organizations that give financial aid to those in need of one of these special Service Dogs. The cost of training these dogs is in thousands of dollars, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain the dog that could make them as independent as possible.

 

This is one of the many other areas within our communities that the Order is proud to say, “we have an active part”

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To make a donation to the Service Dogs Project, send checks to your Chapter Secretary with a note that you wish to give to the Service Dog Project.