Andrea Rosebrock 
Dogs are invaluable assistants to the human race. Their love and dedication to the job surpasses humans including the most extreme workaholics. Here are some popular canine employment positions.
Police Dogs. Specially trained to assist police and other law-enforcement personnel with their work. Often referred to by the term K9.
The history of police dogs can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages. Towns and villages paid taxes for the upkeep of bloodhounds used by constables to track down outlaws and criminals. It wasn’t until around mid-1800’s that dogs were recognized as valuable police assistants. They were used for night patrols, guard dogs for prisons, and in the military as sentry and mine dogs. Law enforcement initially used dogs for riot control. Their role expanded to tracking, drug and explosive detection, and used to intimidate/subdue armed suspects.
The popular K9 breeds include German Shepherds, Rotweillers, and Doberman Pinchers.
Search and Rescue Dogs (SAR Dogs). They are very special workers in the world of search and rescue. The “construction” of a dog makes it ideal for this kind of work. Ultra-sensitive smell and hearing, night vision, endurance, and a dedication to get the job done makes them invaluable in the search for missing persons. They help by reducing the time spent on searching, greatly improving the chance the missing will be found alive. One SAR dog is equivalent to approximately 30 trained humans.
The most popular breed for Search and Rescue? All of them. Many of these dogs are rescues or adopted from shelters.
Service Dogs. Specifically trained to help people who have disabilities and not just for the visual or hearing impaired. They can assist as medical response dogs, warning of an impending seizure or debilitating anxiety attack. Service dogs are also used for children with Autism. Their calming presence helps focus the child to accomplish every day activities.
Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which gives them equal access to anywhere the general public is allowed.
The only requirement is to have a good disposition and good health. Again, many service dogs were former shelter dogs.
But let’s not forget the Administrative Assistant. Every office should have one of these:
The administrative assistant is hilarious! I've always loved working dogs most of all. I know you're not supposed to pet them or distract them while working but I always manage to share eye contact and smile at them, letting them know I recognize them for the heroes they are. If I could have my life to do over again, it would be training service dogs, most likely police dogs if I could handle it but service dogs of any sort would still be okay.
Great article D. Will write you up on my blog as well.
Cher, I always have a special soft spot for service dogs myself. They really are amazing!
D.
The video is hilarious! Sasha thought I was nuts sitting here laughing so hard tears were flowing. That was just precious. Thanks as always D for honoring our furry heros and for sharing that incredibly cute video!
Cher……..it's NEVER too late! Give it a go! You will be amazed at how it will enhance your life. Go for it girl!!! Great article D…..You've done it again! Thank you
You all can thank Andrea for this lovely little tidbit and fun vid. I got a tickle outta the video myself. Wish you could see it Jess. Gotta figure out something so you can catch some of these videos, especially the fun and funny ones. Makes your heart feel good!
D.
Thanks for the article and the video. I laughed so hard I almost fell off my chair on that one. . I have a service dog myself which actually opens and closes doors and grabs things for me. Again thanks for sharing this.
A great video, laughed so hard poor Petey, the other little Chi, slid off my lap. Thanks so much, not only for the great laugh and video, but also the wonderful article on service dogs. One of the reasons why Paws for a Cause is such a good organization to help. Great article, even better laugh! Thanks to Andrea for passing it along for you to share.
Oh my, now I just need to have my own office assistant! (Altough I don't even work in one, my Merlin would be so pleased to help)
Health, advocacy, training, behavior, therapy, assistance-training, I am so torn. I do hope to be able to work in every of those fields.
I always am so proud to see any hard-working animal at work. They are amazing.
I do hope it would be possible for dogs (these pathfinders) other than these traditional working-dogs to walk where humans do, and work alongside them. They can bring so much to our so stressed and hype society. (No jokes, the office-worker would be such a blessing for humans.) I work with animals (almost) everyday of the week, and I would never have it any other way. There is no better moment in my day than when I present a tail-wagging pup (or a big purring ninja-cat, or a sleep-heavy hedgie) to anyone, sale or no sale, or when I start on a behavior/training tirade (except when I am with my red-merle Merlin. Just the other day a very shy toy poodle met a wheel-chair for the first time, and oh so afraid was I that she would freak out. But no, she did not sink on the floor, she went straight at the girl and wanted up, so I picked her up and she never wanted to leave the girl. She was taken home, and I will soon know how she is doing!
Yes, I work in a Pet Center. I did pick a more ethical one, and I can see first-hand how everything works, what should/how things could change (so many ideas), and I care myself for those babies. Nothing can be changed unless you actually know what you have to do.