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Frequently Asked Questions About
EWSD and Our
Service Dogs |
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Q: How long is the waiting list for service dogs? |
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A: It varies, but generally the waiting period is six to eighteen months. This
allows us to get to know you and your needs. It also will give us time to
find the right canine partner for you and to train your canine partner for you. |
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Q: Will you train my
personal dog? |
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A: No. When matching dogs and people, we select a dog with strengths and
abilities that meet your needs. We also look for specific traits in potential
service dogs. While your dog may be the best pet ever, we would not be able to
guarantee that your dog would specifically make a good service dog for you.
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Q: What type of disabilities do you serve? |
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A: We serve people with mobility impairments, from arthritis, balance problems, to paraplegics.
We do not place dogs with children. |
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Q: What is the cost involved? |
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A: For us to place a dog it costs us
approximately $10,000. We ourselves have fund raising activities, ask for
donations, and apply for grants trying to keep the costs at a minimum. We ask for a $750 donation for a
service dog at time of placement. If our efforts have left us short
fund raising may be required of the applicant. Refer to the service dog application for a
breakdown of other costs incurred, for example, hotel, travel, etc. If an
applicant cannot donate $500, we do not decline an application, but they do
need to be able to financially care for the dog.
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Q: Who retains ownership of the dog when it is placed? |
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A: The graduate signs a contract with EWSD, but does retain ownership of the
dog as long as the contractual obligations are met. These include that the dog
is properly being cared for and that the graduate is adhering to the follow-up
and certification policies. |
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Q: How do I recognize a service dog? |
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A: Our dogs wear a harness or backpack with a patch,
or vest identifying them as a
Working Service Dog. Most assistance dogs wear similar equipment. If you are
not sure, ask the person. |
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Q: May I pet a service dog? |
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A: No. When the dog is working – this is indicated by their wearing the harness
– petting the dog will distract the dog from being aware of its owner’s needs
and commands. These dogs must remain focused on their human partner's needs. |
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Q: Do service dogs ever get "time off" or playtime? |
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A: Yes, absolutely! Every service dog gets playtime during the course of the
day. This is done during "time off" periods, usually at their home. They also
enjoy much deserved time for simple relaxation. |
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Q: Can I offer service dogs people food? |
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A: NO! Service dogs accompany their owners into restaurants and grocery stores
and must not show any interest in eating people food. By feeding them food you
can cause years of training to be compromised. Additionally, people food can
make dogs sick, overweight and in some cases can kill them. |
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Q: Can I donate a Dog to EWSD? |
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A: NO! Our philosophy is to take dogs from
the Lycoming County SPCA and train these dogs to help people. The general
population of our area has the first option of adopting these dogs but many
"diamonds in the rough" are missed while housed at the shelter. |
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