Some families already had dogs before the Covid-19 pandemic required social distancing, working and schooling from home, and staying at home as much as possible.  During this time, we saw a number of really funny jokes and memes about dogs wondering what was going on.

All of a sudden, their humans were in the house with them all the time or taking them out for walks more than the dogs were use to, or even wanted. One of our favorite memes shows a number of different kinds of dogs sitting around a conference table discussing how well their virus-plan was working in keeping all their humans home.

Another meme that circulated and made so many people laugh was the one showing a puzzled dog looking out the window saying, "Why are all the humans wearing muzzles? Did they all bite someone?"

We have celebrated all of the people employed in health care, in essential services, and in community safety during the pandemic. In the section on Gabriel's social distancing, we celebrated the children of this country who gave up so much of their quality time to stay home and do what our public health officials and government leaders asked us to.

 Let's celebrate all the dogs and other pets that provided comfort and warmth to us as we dealt with the trauma associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. They deserve a special treat and, as Dalton says, "You need to listen to them."

'Don't have a dog? Consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue organization? 'Can't have or don't want a dog? Think about volunteering or donating something to protect and care for those who don't have a forever home or a special human to love

SERVICE DOGS & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS

Now that just about 100% of our adult population has experienced what is referred to as a "Criterion A Event," we all have the right to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as Amended if we need a little help with the reopening of our society and our return to work. Children who were old enough to understand the terror associated with this invisible terroristic virus might also qualify for accommodations if they need some help with their return to school or academic and recreational functioning.

Service dogs and emotional support dogs are among the many accommodations that adults who are disabled by overwhelming anxiety can request.  No, we aren't suggesting that children bring their dogs to school with them or that the workplace make space for employees to have dogs by their side. 

We are suggesting, however, that adults and children who are overwhelmed with anxiety associated with this pandemic, or associated with other traumas, talk with a behavioral health provider to learn more about the way that a dog can be trained to provide emotional support or life-sustaining services that facilitate full participation in society.

There is no need to spend thousands of dollars to purchase a dog that is already trained to provide a service or to provide emotional support. Many veterans with PTSD, parents of children with autism, and others have worked with animal shelters and rescue programs to adopt a dog that is a good match for the person needing help.

A good trainer can help with the canine good citizenship certification a dog needs as a first step in becoming a service dog or emotional support dog. An emotional support dog doesn't need much  more than this to have some special privileges. Additional training is needed to have the dog meet the criteria of a service dog, but the cost might be worth it because a service dog has so many more privileges.