Many people think service dogs only impact the lives of those they help.
Northwest Battle Buddies gifted veteran and mother Rachel her service dog, Jade. She said service dogs not only help women navigate life - they help moms teach their children invaluable lessons about compassion, resilience, and the importance of service.
“A service dog has an intuitive ability to sense when you are struggling, even when your family may not notice, and a service dog's comforting presence can help you regain composure and fulfill your family duties,” she said. “They can help you be a better mother.”
Northwest Battle Buddies is a non-profit organization that gifts professionally trained service dogs to veterans battling PTSD, helping them regain their freedom and independence.
By recognizing and respecting a service dog’s role in their family, children will learn important lessons about compassion, support, and inclusivity, continued Rachel.
“Children need to understand that your service dog’s primary role is to assist you and provide you with support,” she stressed. “Teach your children empathy, understanding, and respect for individuals with disabilities and their service animals.”
That also helps children gain insight into the differences between service dogs and regular pets and to learn how to interact appropriately with service animals.
“It is important to establish a consistent routine for your service dog's care, including feeding, walking, and outdoor time,” she said.
Service dogs should be included in their family’s daily activities, such as riding in the family car and enjoying cuddle time, ensuring the dog feels like a valued family member.
“Remember to educate your children about respecting his/her role as a service dog. When my service dog wears her service vest, my children understand that they must refrain from touching or distracting her while she is working,” she said. “Although this concept was initially challenging for them, they have adapted well and now willingly comply with the rules.”
Rachel offered some advice to other veteran mothers considering integrating a service dog into their families:
“Don’t be afraid to share with your children about your service dog and your need for one. I had this discussion early on with my children,” she said. “The purpose for Jade and how she can help ‘Mom’ be a better mom for them.”
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.