Mount Pleasant Pets 2021-22

N MP PETS www.MtPleasant.Pet | www.MPVets.Pet | www.facebook.com/MPpets F E A T U R E — with Madison’s presence — helped me to stay positive. For the next seven years, Madison was my cheerleader, motivator and listener as I navigated life to find my new normal. But these furry companions of ours, unfortunately, don’t live forever, and in December 2019, we had to say goodbye to Madison. She lived to be almost 17 — well past her breed’s life expectancy — and I know she gave me her absolute best. A few months before her passing, I began researching op- tions for a new service dog to assist me with critical activi- ties that became more of a challenge after my TBI. I learned about Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS) through Marka Danielle, a friend and survivor of a spinal cord injury. She’d been matched with her very own assisting canine named Cora. While the application process for these animals is exten- sive, it is necessary to ensure that these gifted and well- trained dogs are appropriately matched with each appli- cant’s needs. Unlike an emotional support dog or a therapy dog, a service dog is trained to perform as a helper, respond- ing to cues that will assist and improve the handler’s quality of life. This could be anything from assisting after a fall to retrieving a phone for emergency calls and other tasks. I hold onto hope that I will soon be paired with my own service dog to help me continue the path to recovery. I look forward to introducing you all to Mount Pleasant’s newest assistive canine sometime in the near future. U DEFINITIONS: ASSISTANCE/SERVICE DOG: A dog trained to aid or assist an individual with a disability. They are trained by an assistance dog organization or by their handler, often with the help of a professional trainer. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG: A dog that provides comfort to help relieve the symptoms of a per- son's disability. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, these dogs are not service animals. State and local regulations dictate the rules and acceptance of emotional support pets in public spaces. THERAPY DOG: A dog that is trained in providing affection, comfort and support to people, often within hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospices or disaster areas. For those wanting to learn more about the varied categories of service animals and the laws pertaining to their acceptance, visit ADA.gov and AssistanceDogsInternational.org. Photo courtesy of Jeanne Taylor Photography